According to Armenian MFA spokesperson Ani Badalyan, the dissatisfaction is related to statements made by Solovyov on a state television channel. In them, the TV host openly discussed the possibility of Russia conducting a "special military operation" on the territory of Armenia and Central Asian republics.
"These statements made on the air of a state television channel are an unacceptable encroachment on the sovereignty of the Republic of Armenia, a manifestation of hostility, and grossly violate the basic principles of friendly relations between Armenia and Russia," Badalyan said.
Russia and Armenia are officially considered allied states. Both countries are members of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) and the Customs Union. However, in recent years, especially against the backdrop of the conflict with Azerbaijan, due to Russia's insufficient support for Armenia, official Yerevan has been trying to intensify cooperation with the US and the European Union. At the same time, the government of Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan is regularly criticized on Russian television channels.
We remind you that Vladimir Solovyov had previously stated that Russia could "spit on international law" and forcibly intervene in the internal affairs of Armenia and Central Asian states to prevent them from leaving the Russian "sphere of influence."
In his speech, he emphasized that "losing" Armenia would be a strategic disaster for Russia, and the situation in Central Asia poses a serious threat to national security, saying that military operations like those in Ukraine could also be conducted in other regions.
These views have caused sharp dissatisfaction not only in Armenia but also in Central Asian countries. In particular, the public in Uzbekistan is demanding that officials take a firm position, emphasizing that Central Asian states should jointly submit a note of protest.
