According to his claims, Russia should, like the USA in Venezuela, disregard international law and consider the use of force to prevent these countries from leaving Russia's "sphere of influence."
The reaction from Yerevan was swift. According to News.am, the Armenian Foreign Ministry summoned the Russian ambassador to deliver a note of protest expressing "deep indignation" regarding Solovyov's statements on the state television channel. The document emphasizes that such statements are incompatible with the friendly relations between Armenia and Russia.
As for Central Asia, the opinions of local politicians and experts regarding Solovyov's words varied widely. We have gathered the most significant reactions to this incident in our material 24.kg.
Kyrgyzstan
The press secretary of the President of Kyrgyzstan recommended not to take Vladimir Solovyov's words seriously.
“If such statements were made by deputies or ministers, then a reaction would be appropriate. But Solovyov is just a journalist,” noted Askhat Alagozov.
He also added that he was aware of a proposal from one of the deputies to declare Solovyov a persona non grata. “There is a procedure for this, but it is important to remember the high level of relations between Russia and Kyrgyzstan,” he continued. “Such statements only create misunderstandings between peoples.”
People's Deputy Dastan Bekeshev suggested recognizing Solovyov as a persona non grata.
Political analyst Yrysbek Osmonov emphasized that Kyrgyzstan is a sovereign state with a centuries-old history. He expressed dissatisfaction with the cynical statements coming from a country that considers Kyrgyzstan a strategic partner.
“These words not only offend, but they create distrust where we have built mutual understanding,” he concluded.
Kazakhstan
Kazakh political scientist Gaziz Abishev believes that Solovyov's statements could be both a reaction from the Kremlin to the actions of the USA in Venezuela and a personal initiative of the journalist himself, demonstrating militarism from the safety of a television studio.
In his opinion, such statements are “a violation of the ethics of relations between peoples, especially in conditions where inciting hatred already has its consequences.”
Renowned political scientist Dosym Satpaev is convinced that Solovyov's words stem from Russia's fear of losing allies. He reminded of the Kremlin's loss of influence in Syria and Venezuela, as well as the current events in Iran.
“If the fool has fears on his tongue, then the king has them in his head,” Satpaev wrote on his Facebook page.
As for the official reaction, Astana preferred not to comment on Solovyov's statements. Deputy Aidos Sarym said that there is no need to respond at the state level.
“In the current tense period, it is not worth reacting to the opinions of such 'prophets' as Solovyov. Such opinions should be analyzed and responded to scientifically,” he added.
“Expressing protest against every opinion from Russia is not the right approach,” concluded Aidos Sarym.
Uzbekistan
In Uzbekistan, Solovyov's statements caused a wide resonance, especially among experts and scholars. Local analysts characterized his words as “propaganda justifying intervention and disregarding international law.” The rector of the University of Journalism and Mass Communications, Sherzodkhon Kudratkhodja, stated that this is not just an emotional outburst, but a manifestation of colonial thinking.
“This is unprecedented propaganda showing a colonial approach,” he noted.
Journalist Ilyas Safarov believed that this is a political signal with threats.
Deputy of the Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan Bobur Bekmurodov stated that such cries in television studios cannot determine the fate of nations.
“The borders of Central Asia are a matter of honor, and any threats to independence will be met with a decisive response,” he emphasized.
Tajikistan
In Tajikistan, officials did not make any official statements regarding Solovyov's words. Political expert Sherali Rizoen described Solovyov's statements in his Telegram channel as “a problem out of nowhere” without objective reasons.
Turkmenistan
In Turkmenistan, there was no reaction to Solovyov's provocative statements at either a high or low level. Ashgabat preferred to ignore the situation.
P.S. Experts agree that Solovyov's words reflect not only Russia's geopolitical interests but also prepare public opinion for a possible confrontation. Aggressive rhetoric exacerbates international tensions, which requires countries in the region to focus on strengthening their security.
