The final word is ours – Zakharova

Commenting on recent harsh remarks made by Russian TV host Vladimir Solovyov regarding Central Asia and Armenia, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said the statements reflected Solovyov’s personal opinion and should not be overinterpreted. She urged the public not to give in to unnecessary panic. Zakharova made the remarks during a briefing on January 15.

According to Zakharova, comments by Kremlin-aligned propagandist Vladimir Solovyov suggesting that Russia could launch a “special military operation” against Central Asia or Armenia do not reflect Moscow’s official position. She said the remarks were not statements but opinions expressed in the form of a question, which some analysts have interpreted provocatively. Zakharova stressed that such manipulations are unacceptable.

“I have read the quotes. The views expressed by the journalist are his personal opinions. They do not reflect Moscow’s official position. In fact, his remarks were framed as a question. This is not a statement, but a question. Moreover, it is clear that these phrases are being interpreted in a deliberately provocative manner by certain analysts. Such manipulation simply cannot be allowed,” Zakharova said.

She also emphasized that Solovyov’s statements have no connection to state policy, noting that official positions are expressed only by authorized officials, while “analysts speaking from their couches” cannot represent Russia’s stance.

“These phrases have been openly presented by so-called ‘couch analysts’ as if they were Russia’s official position. Once again, I would like to stress that official viewpoints are expressed by authorized officials,” Zakharova said.

Zakharova further underlined that Russia is historically linked with the peoples of the South Caucasus and Central Asia through good-neighborly relations, strategic partnership, alliance, brotherhood, and cooperation.

“One should judge by actions, not words. How many times has assistance been provided? How many times has a helping hand of friendship been extended? How often were sincere feelings expressed in times of grief and solidarity? How many times were shared joys, common victories, and the achievements of colleagues and friends in the post-Soviet space celebrated together? How many seemingly unsolvable and complex situations were tackled jointly? How often were misunderstandings resolved? How many times were provocations and calls by provocateurs countered? These are the things that matter. In any situation, it is important not to stumble and, especially, not to be distracted by provocations. Unfortunately, there will be many more of them. Therefore, let us not be deceived by false and fabricated information, but look at the real picture,” Zakharova said.

In short, Zakharova urged the public not to fall for manipulations and to focus on real events.

However, the damage had already been done, as Solovyov’s remarks had triggered a strong reaction in Armenia even before Zakharova’s comments were made. In particular, Armenia’s Foreign Ministry summoned Russian Ambassador Sergey Kopirkin and handed him a note of protest, describing the remarks as an “encroachment on sovereignty.”

Meanwhile, in Central Asian countries, relevant authorities have so far refrained from issuing official statements, with reactions limited to public figures and political analysts. In Uzbekistan, Solovyov’s comments sparked public outrage, as expected.

Bobur Bekmurodov, chairman of the Yuksalish nationwide movement and a deputy of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis, described Solovyov’s remarks as “nonsense” and referred to him as a “copy.”

“We spit on Solovyov’s words and on his imperial ambitions as well. We recommend that he learn a Uzbek expression that roughly translates as: go and play with your own nightingale,” Bekmurodov said.

Alisher Kadyrov, deputy speaker of the Legislative Chamber and leader of the Milliy Tiklanish Democratic Party, described Solovyov’s remarks as “barren” in a post on his Telegram channel, writing that they reflect his helplessness and wounded state. He added that such statements by Russian chauvinists are nothing new.

“Pursuing a pragmatic and mutually beneficial foreign policy and cooperating with all Commonwealth countries on the basis of internationally recognized principles of international law will remain a cornerstone of Uzbekistan’s state policy.

The relentless statements circulating in Russian media not only contradict the spirit of comprehensive strategic partnership and alliance-level relations between the two countries, but also have a destructive effect,” he wrote.

Former lawmaker Rasul Kusherbayev said that Solovyov was openly issuing threats to Central Asian states through such remarks and called on Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to respond firmly. However, as usual, the ministry has so far remained silent.