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TV host Oliver Stone, whose series of interviews with Vladimir Putin have been critically acclaimed, is now defending the Russian president against his portrayal in the Western media.

During an appearance on CNN this weekend, Stone was asked why he believes Putin doesn’t give more interviews to Western media, and he bluntly states that the Russian president “hasn’t been well-treated in the West.”

Stone then continues his defense of Putin saying he “really wants to communicate,” but certain unfair treatment has held him back. Watch the controversial interview above.