Solovyov calls on Russia to launch attacks against Central Asia and Armenia as well (video)

Prominent Russian TV host and Kremlin-aligned propagandist Vladimir Solovyov has called for extending Russia’s so-called “special military operation” beyond Ukraine to other regions within what he described as Russia’s “sphere of influence,” including Central Asian countries and Armenia. He made the remarks during a live broadcast.

On air, Solovyov said Russia should focus not on countries like Venezuela or Syria, but on territories referred to as the “near abroad,” specifically Central Asia and Armenia, in order to maintain control over them.

“Right now, we should not be dealing with Syria or Venezuela. We must not lose our positions. What matters most to us is the near abroad. What is happening in Armenia is far more painful for us than what is happening in Venezuela. Losing Armenia would be a huge problem. Problems in Central Asia are also very serious issues for us,” the TV host said.

According to Solovyov, Russia must clearly and firmly define which territories it considers to be its own. He added that Russia may need to initiate “special military operations” in these regions, similar to its actions in Ukraine.

“We must clearly define our goals and objectives. We must openly say: ‘The games are over.’ Let international law and the international order collapse. If it was deemed necessary to launch a ‘special military operation’ in Ukraine for reasons of national security, why should we not have the same right to launch ‘special military operations’ in other territories within our sphere of influence? Perhaps we need to formulate a national doctrine and openly declare which territories fall within our sphere of influence. Then everything will be clear,” Solovyov said.

Earlier, in December 2023, Russian writer and member of the “Putin Team” social movement Zakhar Prilepin, who also serves as a deputy commander for military and political affairs in a Russian National Guard regiment, proposed incorporating former Soviet territories into the Russian Federation and teaching Russian to their populations.