Kremlin TV Host in Furious Tirade Over Zelenskyy’s Victory Day Decree

(MOSCOW, RUSSIA) – A key host of Russian state television has launched a furious tirade against Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, claiming a decree on Victory Day celebrations proves Kyiv is not serious about peace. The outburst came during the “Sunday Evening With Vladimir Solovyov” programme.

Solovyov, a prominent Kremlin propagandist, began his show by congratulating viewers on the Victory Day holiday. He then described a recent visit to Russian military units during a temporary ceasefire.

“When we set out for the troops, we did not yet know that the other side would once again show how unserious they are, because Trump told them to do it and they complied,” Solovyov said.

He recounted a conversation with a drone operator, identified by the call sign “Smiley”, who was on his second military contract. The host asked the soldier why he had rejoined the armed forces. “Well, I have a wife and children,” the soldier replied, according to Solovyov. “And I thought, it might fly into my home. It is better that I shoot it down over there.”

Solovyov then framed the conflict as a new type of war, arguing that Russia’s enemies are shifting the battlefield into the country’s interior and society. “We are witnessing a new war. They cannot defeat us on the front line, so the war is being moved deep inside,” he said. He justified the military priority on defending Moscow, stating, “Moscow is the heart of our Motherland. Therefore, of course, we are trying to protect everything, but this is war.”

The presenter’s anger peaked when discussing civilian footage of strikes on Russian territory. He accused citizens who film the aftermath of attacks and post it online of effectively working for the enemy. He directly addressed lawmakers on his panel, demanding new legislation to criminalise such actions. “In almost all countries of the world this is a criminal offence. I have a question for the State Duma. Why has a law not been passed yet? Why is there still no law that would punish such things?” Solovyov asked, claiming the videos allow Ukraine to adjust its targeting.

He then launched a personal attack on the Ukrainian leader. “When we see a post by the scoundrel, the bastard, the fascist Zelenskyy, the Nazi who joyfully posts a video obtained from our social networks showing how one of our facilities is burning, we do not understand it,” Solovyov fumed, calling Zelenskyy an “insignificant buffoon” who pretends to be in charge.

Solovyov alleged that European nations are furious that US President Donald Trump denied them the chance to escalate the conflict, while insisting Zelenskyy makes no independent decisions. He repeated a long standing Kremlin narrative that the war’s true goal is the dismemberment of Russia by NATO countries. “The Germans want to take Kaliningrad, and the Finns want to grab territory. And they do not hide it,” he claimed. He further alleged that the ultimate Western goal is to remove all ethnic Russians from the Transnistria region.

Concluding his monologue, Solovyov cited an unnamed “brilliant Russian commander, a Colonel General and Hero of Russia”, who reportedly told him that there is no longer any border between Ukraine and Western Europe in the context of the war. He insisted the Russian dictator’s negotiating position remains unchanged. “Vladimir Vladimirovich does not change his position. Does Zelenskyy have something to say? Let him come to Moscow,” Solovyov said, adding that any talks would now only concern capitulation, and it was unclear who would be required to sign such a document.

The show ended with a reflection on the need for Russia to achieve victory in the current conflict to honour the legacy of the Second World War. “We still need to win our victory, as a continuation of our historical victories,” Solovyov stated.

The footage was broadcast on the Russian state television channel Russia-1, a major Russian propaganda outlet.