TV Host Under Fire
In response to statements made by Vladimir Solovyov, journalists noted changes in his broadcasting schedule, Tengrinews reports. According to Russian media, the program "Evening with Vladimir Solovyov" ceased airing on the "Russia 1" channel starting January 12, making way for another show. As Sib.fm notes, this is related to his comments about a possible "new special military operation" in Central Asia.Solovyov also referred to the former Soviet republics as "our lands," which provoked a negative reaction and required diplomats to clarify that his words do not reflect Moscow's official position. Within the Foreign Ministry, such incidents are referred to as "self-shooting in live broadcast," sources report.
It is important to note that Solovyov's provocative words on the state channel caused a wide resonance on social media and reactions from the countries he mentioned. For instance, the Armenian Foreign Ministry summoned Russian Ambassador Sergey Kopyrkin and handed him a note of protest expressing "deep indignation" regarding what was said on air. In Kyrgyzstan, MP Dastan Bekeshov suggested declaring Solovyov a persona non grata, but the presidential administration urged to regard his words as insignificant and unfounded. In Kazakhstan, Majilis deputy Aidos Sarym compared the TV host's remarks to "a mosquito bite," which should not be responded to with weapons.
