Political and media figures in Armenia sharply condemned Russian TV host Vladimir Solovyov's call for a “special military operation” in Armenia, demanding an official diplomatic response and revocation of his state award.

Stepan Safaryan, founder and president of the Institute of International and Security Affairs, responded on Facebook to Vladimir Solovyov’s statement that Russia should conduct a “special military operation” in Armenia. Safaryan stressed that Armenia’s Foreign Ministry must respond, at least through a spokesperson.

“Solovyov, once called a ‘friend of the Armenian people,’ has now revealed himself as yet another Kremlin propagandist. Inspired by the U.S. president’s success in Venezuela, he has floated a dangerous idea, proposing military operations in Russia’s so-called zones of influence in the Caucasus, specifically Armenia, and Central Asia. Armenia’s entire political spectrum must condemn and counter this idea, unless they are acting as proxies for foreign interests,” he wrote.

Safaryan reminded readers that on October 31, 2022, in Sochi, the presidents of Russia and Azerbaijan, along with Armenia’s Prime Minister, signed a declaration recognizing the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and inviolability of borders of both Armenia and Azerbaijan, commitments equally upheld by Russia.

He added that it's also necessary to recall Russia's obligations under the UN Charter and various bilateral agreements with Armenia, which entail allied defense in the event of foreign invasions, not initiating military actions.

Safaryan also noted that Armenia has ratified the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, meaning any such action against Armenia could be subject to international legal scrutiny. He warned that Armenia does not wish to become the first state to bring charges against a supposed ally.

“I believe the Foreign Ministry must respond to this insanity, even at the spokesperson level. A unified response from Central Asian republics is also desirable. Armenia’s political field must leave no room for ambiguity and clearly reject such proposals; no one here is waiting for the Red Army,” he wrote.

Aram Sargsyan, leader of the Republic Party, said Solovyov perceives Armenia not as a sovereign state but merely as part of Russia’s sphere of influence.

“This implies that the so-called fifth column in Armenia isn’t just made up of ex-presidents, clerics, or oligarchs, but of Russian influence agents. The Armenian people expressed their stance on spheres of influence in the 2018 and 2021 elections, and will likely do so again in 2026, otherwise, Solovyov wouldn’t be panicking. The former presidents, clerics, and ‘savior’ oligarchs should clarify their position on these threats. Otherwise, it seems they support Solovyov’s views and see their political survival only through such coercive proposals.

P.S. Solovyov and his ilk once claimed Armenians had nowhere to go. So now, whose ships are sinking? And who’s going where? Dear people, have a good day. This proves we’re on the right path. May God bless Armenia,” Sargsyan wrote.

Tigran Hakobyan, chairman of the Television and Radio Commission, also posted on Facebook, urging that Solovyov be stripped of the Armenian Order of Honor.

“Russian journalist Vladimir Solovyov was awarded this honor in December 2013, ‘for his significant contribution to strengthening friendship between the Armenian and Russian peoples and promoting peace between the two countries.’ Yet today the same Solovyov is making aggressive statements toward Armenia, saying, ‘Just as we did in Ukraine,’” Hakobyan wrote.

He reminded readers of the consequences of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine — hundreds of destroyed settlements, millions displaced, severe environmental damage, tens of thousands of casualties, orphaned children, and the devastation of an entire country.

“A man who claims to love and respect Armenia now proposes the same for the country he says he loves. What can we do? At the very least, we must take a simple step: revoke this madman’s Order of Honor. Someone who repeatedly threatens Armenia and wishes disaster upon its people cannot hold one of our highest state awards. It’s a disgrace,” Hakobyan added.