Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova has responded to the controversial remarks made by TV host Vladimir Solovyov, stating that they reflect a journalist’s personal opinion shared on his private channel.
Zakharova emphasized that Solovyov’s comments were phrased as questions rather than declarations, while some “couch analysts” have provocatively presented them as if they were Russia’s official position, according to Sputnik Armenia.
“Certain commentators clearly seized the opportunity to throw around unfounded assumptions and blatant manipulations, suggesting that Russia harbors aggressive ambitions toward post-Soviet states,” Zakharova noted.
She emphasized that only authorized officials are permitted to speak on behalf of Russia’s government. Zakharova reiterated that Russia maintains long-standing, friendly, and strategic relations with the countries of the South Caucasus and Central Asia.
Following Solovyov’s remarks suggesting potential military actions, Russia’s Ambassador to Armenia Sergey Kopyrkin was summoned to the Armenian Foreign Ministry. Earlier, on his program, Solovyov had argued against Russia losing influence over Armenia and Central Asia, drawing comparisons to its military campaign in Ukraine.
