CNN host Chris Cuomo's interview with Russia Today anchor Peter Lavelle turned into a fierce battle Wednesday morning over Russia's role in the investigation of Malaysian Plane MH17.
The interview, which lasted nearly 11 minutes, began with Cuomo asking why Russian President Vladimir Putin has not yet "condemned" the way that the crash site has been handled. But the discussion quickly escalated into a back-and-forth screaming duel when RT's Lavelle continued to defend Putin, claiming that the Russian President, unlike the Obama administration, has pushed for "a thorough investigation" and provided valid evidence from the crime scene.
"Peter, calm down," Cuomo interjected. "Take a breath. We've already had something bad happen. There's no reason to compound it."
"Ask me an intelligent question!" he yelled.
"I think I've asked you several," Cuomo shot back. "Your answers, I don't know about the intelligence of them, but the questions are pretty spot on."
Lavelle didn't back down, insisting that Russia has done more than the US when it comes to providing information about the scene of the crash. Cuomo accused him of acting more like "a representative of Russia" than a journalist.
“Here’s the difference between you and me, Peter," he said. "You are obsessed with clearing Russia from culpability.... All you're doing is denying Russia's involvement.... Why should you carry water for Russia when you’re supposed to be a journalist?”
In the end, Cuomo thanked the Russia Today anchor for coming on the program, adding, "you have to live with what you do for a living."
Watch the video for the full clip on CNN.