Kremlin propagandist Vladimir Solovyov has suggested that Russia would be justified in launching a “special military operation” in Armenia. Speaking on his Sunday TV program, Solovyov referenced recent U.S. actions in Venezuela, including the capture of President Nicolás Maduro. 

“For us, the developments in Armenia are far more painful than those in Venezuela. Losing Armenia is a huge problem,” Solovyov said. “If it was necessary for us to start a [special military operation] in Ukraine for our national security, why cannot we do the same in other points of our zone of influence?” he added.

Solovyov also extended his comments to Central Asia, calling it “our Asia,” and warned that any moves by countries in the region to align themselves with the West would be a “gigantic problem.” 

His statements prompted criticism from Armenian politicians, including members of the ruling Civil Contract party, who called for Solovyov to be stripped of a state award for strengthening Armenian-Russian relations.

In response to the comments, Armenia’s Foreign Ministry summoned the Russian ambassador to the country. 

Meanwhile, tensions in the region are further fueled by Adam Kadyrov, son of Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov, who threatened Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Instagram. He vowed to locate Zelenskyy and bring him to Grozny if ordered by his father or Russian president Vladimir Putin, labeling Zelenskyy a “war criminal” and dismissing his leadership.“…You have destroyed your country for the sake of cheap pathos and Western praise. But your time will soon be over…” he wrote.