Armenia vs. Vladimir Solovyov

Following Vladimir Solovyov's statement about the admissibility of Russia's military intervention in Armenia, the Yerevan Foreign Ministry issued an official protest, and public organizations demanded an investigation. Armenian politicians viewed the TV presenter's words as a threat to sovereignty and an attempt to pressure the country.

What Vladimir Solovyov Said

On January 10, 2026, on the air of "Solovyov.Live," Russian TV presenter Vladimir Solovyov stated the need for Russia to "ensure its interests" in strategically important regions. He suggested considering the possibility of forceful intervention in the internal affairs of Armenia and the Central Asian countries, emphasizing that Russia should act "like the United States in Venezuela" and "not give a damn about international law." ¹.

Soloviev described the possible "loss of Armenia" as a "gigantic problem." According to him, Russia must "very clearly" formulate its goals and objectives, and also explain that "the games are over." "If for our national security we needed to launch a strategic military operation on the territory of Ukraine, why... can't we launch a strategic military operation in other points of our zone of influence?" asked the TV presenter. ²

He also repeated points previously made in his programs that "life in Armenia would have been different" if Russia had "resolved the problem with Georgia in 2008" and obtained a land border with Armenia.

Consequences of Solovyov's statements

Solovyev's statements led to an official diplomatic protest from Armenia. On January 12, 2026, the Armenian Foreign Ministry summoned Russian Ambassador Sergei Kopyrkin and handed him a note of protest. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ani Badalyan stated that the Armenian side expressed "deep indignation" and regarded the TV presenter's words as "an unacceptable infringement on the sovereignty of the Republic of Armenia" and "a gross violation of the principles of friendly relations." The protest was specifically related to Solovyov's statements, aired on a channel belonging to the state-owned media holding ⁵.

At the same time, Armenian public organizations initiated legal action. The Union of Informed Citizens filed a complaint with the prosecutor's office demanding that a criminal case be opened under Article 151 of the Armenian Criminal Code ("public call to unleash aggression"). Activists emphasized that criminal law provisions also apply to individuals who commit an act outside the country if it is directed against its interests. 6.

Also, as Minval reported, citing a source in the diplomatic mission of one of the Central Asian countries in Baku, several states in the region expressed concern to Moscow about Vladimir Solovyov's statements during closed diplomatic consultations. However, journalists claim that the Russian side's assurances did not satisfy Central Asian diplomats. ⁷.

Reaction of Armenian society and politicians

The reaction in Armenia to the TV presenter's words was harsh - both official individuals, politicians, and activists alike.

Vice Speaker of Parliament Ruben Rubinyan called Solovyov "a close friend of Samvel Karapetyan" and commented on the situation with the phrase: "The dog barks, but the caravan moves on... and the caravan is our beloved country, which is moving toward irreversible peace and development."

Head of the Civil Contract parliamentary faction Hayk Konjoryan stated that Solovyov "is associated with Russian pro-government circles," and therefore his words are perceived as a threat to Armenia's sovereignty. ⁸.

Dashnaktsutyun representative Ishkhan Saghatelyan stated: "We strongly condemn any statements and actions directed against the sovereignty of "Armenia."

Tigran Hakobyan, Chairman of the Television and Radio Commission, has proposed stripping Solovyov of the Armenian state award, the Order of Honor, which he received in 2013. "A person who regularly threatens Armenia and the Armenian people, wishes catastrophe for our country, and generally demonstrates a misanthropic mindset, cannot be worthy of one of the highest state awards of the Republic of Armenia. This is our shame," Tigran Hakobyan wrote on his official Facebook page* ⁹. A similar initiative was put forward by Arusyak Julhakyan, a member of the People's Assembly of Armenia from the Civil Contract party. ¹⁰.

Public activists have put forward more robust proposals. Artur Osipyan, head of the "My Right" movement, stated that Yerevan's response should be "tougher than a note of protest" and proposed pushing for the withdrawal of the 102nd Russian base: "Keeping troops of a state that threatens military aggression on our territory is a serious threat to Armenia."

Political analyst Hakob Badalyan noted that Solovyov's statements "are not emotional improvisation." In his view, they objectively reinforce the Armenian authorities' rhetoric about "hybrid attacks," creating a convenient backdrop for appealing to European partners for increased financial support. He emphasized, however, that the question of Solovyov's personal gain remains open.

* The activities of Meta (which owns Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp) are banned in Russia.

Notes

1. https://player.smotrim.ru/iframe/video/id/3067419/sid/smotrim/isPlay/true/mute/true/
2. "An attempt to justify forceful intervention": reaction to Solovyov's statement in Armenia // JAMnews, 12.01.2026.
3. "Turn off the voice of the enemy": in Armenia they demand to shut down Russian TV channels by destruction // JAMnews, 09.07.2025.
4. Solovyov: if the problem of Georgia had been resolved in In 2008, we would have had a border with Armenia // Georgia Online, 02/27/2024.
5. The Armenian Foreign Ministry handed over a letter of protest to the Russian Ambassador in connection with Solovyov's statements // Armenpress, 02/12/2026.
6. A civil organization demands an investigation into Solovyov's threat of aggression // Panarmenian.net, 02/13/2026.
7. https://t.me/minval_az/141976
8. Deputies of the Civil Contract faction responded In response to a statement by Russian propagandist Vladimir Solovyov //Armenpress, 12.02.2026.
9. Armenia proposes stripping "maniac Solovyov" of his Armenian Order of Honor - "this is our shame" // 1news/az, 12.01.2026.
10. Deputies of the Civil Contract faction responded to a statement by Russian propagandist Vladimir Solovyov // Armenpress, 12.02.2026.