No, he said Tucker misspoke and that Tucker’s statement was thus inaccurate. He also clarified that Tucker would have no way of knowing that other western journalists have requested interviews from Putin. Apparently none of those requests were granted, where as Tucker’s request was granted.
Misspoke = Lied.
I agree with your diagnosis of misspoke. The work of “Western journalists” who communicate in languages other than English, and serve up their products in “foreign” (to Carlson) TV, newspapers, magazines, internet sites, etc. is likely outside the mental space of Carlson/his staff. What is in their heads is promoting C’s interview as unique, and highlighting the very real dearth of curiosity that prevails in US mainstream media.
Maybe the journalist who wrote the article could identify
some “western journalists” who sought and conducted interviews with Putin, and where the interviews may be found. She could even ask Peskov.