Propagandist Russian TV anchor Vladimir Solovyov on January 11 drew condemnation from across Central Asia and Armenia after openly asking why “special military operations” of the type pursued in Ukraine by the Kremlin should not be carried out elsewhere within Russia’s claimed zone of influence.

“We must say openly: the games are over. International law and the international order mean nothing to us,” Solovyov declared, characterising Central Asia, once part of a Russian Empire, as “our Asia”.

Hardline nationalist Solovyov, speaking on his Solovyov Live programme, warned that instability in the ex-Soviet region amounted to a direct threat to Russian national security and called for the Kremlin to clearly outline the boundaries of its sphere of influence, paying no heed to international norms.

Armenia and Central Asia stand as much more critical to Russia’s national interests than far away allies such as Syria or Venezuela, Solovyov asserted, saying that for Moscow to lose influence in these places would be a “huge problem” for Russia.

In further aggressive remarks, the presenter stated: “We should formulate our own national doctrine and state clearly: how far does our sphere of influence extend? Then everything will be clear. Everything will be understood. We must stop casting pearls before swine and openly say that we do not care what they think in Europe.”

Uzbek journalist Ilyos Safarov sounded a warning in comments reported by The Times of Central Asia, saying that Solovyov’s statements were not mere sensationalism. “This is a political signal that reflects the most aggressive direction of Russian propaganda,” he said.

Solovyov, added Safarov, has a frequent role in amplifying narratives that align closely with Kremlin thinking. “This kind of rhetoric psychologically prepares the public for violence and intervention, especially dangerous in a region as geopolitically sensitive as Central Asia,” he also said, urging Uzbekistan and other countries to treat statements of the type made by Solovyov as manifestations of a broader political doctrine, rather than as isolated outbursts. 

Responding to the Solovyov comments, the Armenian Foreign Ministry summoned Russia’s ambassador to Yerevan, Sergei Kopyrkin, and presented him with a formal note of protest. 

The note expressed deep indignation, describing the remarks as an unacceptable encroachment on Armenia’s sovereignty, a hostile act and a breach of the principles of friendly relations between Moscow and Yerevan. 

According to RBC, Armenian officials described the remarks, broadcast on state television, as violating the fundamental principles underpinning bilateral relations.

Sherzodkhon Qudratkhodja, a political scientist and professor, on Telegram described Solovyov’s rhetoric as “colonial” and “dehumanising,” noting that he openly dismissed international law and sovereignty. 

“He said on air what is usually wrapped in paper: that international law can be dismissed, that sovereignty is symbolic and that independent states can simply be declared part of a ‘sphere of influence,’” Qudratkhodja voiced.

Political analyst Shukhrat Rasul said the comments should be taken as “a thinly veiled call for occupation”. Rasul called on Uzbekistan’s Foreign Ministry to seek an official response from Moscow and demand accountability.

Solovyov was born in Moscow in 1963. He trained in economics and philosophy and spent some years in the 1990s in the United States, before returning to Russia.