Russia’s Ambassador to Armenia, Sergey Kopyrkin, was summoned to the Armenian Foreign Ministry in connection with recent statements made by Russian TV host and propagandist Vladimir Solovyov. The ministry issued a protest note expressing deep concern.

“The Russian ambassador in Armenia was summoned to the Foreign Ministry and handed a protest note, expressing strong indignation over statements made on a program aired by a Russian state television channel. It was emphasized that these comments constitute an unacceptable violation of Armenia’s sovereignty and a hostile act. They grossly contradict the fundamental principles of friendly relations between Armenia and Russia,” the Foreign Ministry stated, according to Factor.am .

Solovyov had previously called for ignoring international law and launching “a special military operation” in Armenia and Central Asia. “What is happening in Armenia hurts us more than what is happening in Venezuela. Losing Armenia is a huge problem,” he said.