The Russian ambassador was summoned to the Armenian Foreign Ministry following Vladimir Solovyov's statement.

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TV presenter Vladimir Solovyov called the possible "loss of Armenia" a "giant problem" and stated the possibility of conducting a special military operation in Russia's zone of interest. In connection with this, Ambassador Sergei Kopyrkin was summoned to the Armenian Foreign Ministry, where he was handed a note of protest.

As reported by the "Caucasian Knot," in March 2024, the broadcast of Vladimir Solovyov's original programs was blocked in Armenia for violating prohibitions on interference in the country's domestic political life and offensive content.

Russian Ambassador to Yerevan Sergei Kopyrkin was summoned to the Armenian Foreign Ministry due to Vladimir Solovyov's remarks. According to Embassy Press Secretary Dmitry Danilov, a note of protest was handed to him in connection with the TV presenter's statements, RIA Novosti reported on January 12.

Armenian Foreign Ministry Press Secretary Ani Badalyan previously reported the ambassador's summons. According to her, the ambassador "was handed a note of protest expressing deep indignation at the statements made during a program on a channel that is part of a state-owned media holding." "It was emphasized that this is an unacceptable infringement on the sovereignty of the Republic of Armenia, a hostile statement, and a gross violation of the fundamental principles of friendly relations between Armenia and Russia," she stated.

The ambassador's summons was prompted by Solovyov's statement on January 10 on the Soloviev.Live program. Solovyov stated that Russia must ensure its interests in key regions. He called the "loss of Armenia" a "massive problem." "If we needed to launch a strategic military operation on Ukrainian territory for our national security, why, for the same reasons, can't we launch a strategic military operation in other parts of our zone of influence?" - Kommersant quotes him as saying.

Vice Speaker of the National Assembly of Armenia Ruben Rubinyan responded to Solovyov's statement. On his social media page, he called Solovyov a close friend of Samvel Karapetyan. "The dog barks, but the caravan moves on. The dog in this case is a close friend and compatriot of Russian businessman Samvel Karapetyan, and the caravan is our beloved country, which is moving towards irreversible peace and development," he wrote.

As a reminder, Tashir Group owner Samvel Karapetyan is accused of calling for the overthrow of the constitutional order and economic crimes. On December 30, the court transferred the businessman to house arrest. On January 12, the Armenian Prosecutor's Office demanded that Karapetyan's pretrial detention be tightened.