Solovyov Demands Russian Citizens Fund Defence Industry

(MOSCOW) – Russian state propagandist Vladimir Solovyov has expressed alarm over economic difficulties, the political situation in Hungary, and what he described as defeatist attitudes within Russian society, in a sign of growing Kremlin anxiety about the war effort.

Speaking on his radio show “Full Contact,” Solovyov acknowledged that public sentiment in Russia is complicated. He cited the arrival of spring, the fifth year of the war, and actions by Russia’s central bank, which he claimed had slowed the economy more effectively than 19 packages of Western sanctions.

“The mega regulator has no understanding of what is really happening in the country and how this affects things,” Solovyov said, blaming domestic economic policies for the country’s difficulties.

The propagandist also expressed concern about what he perceived as a lack of sovereign information platforms in Russia, noting difficulties in transitioning between Telegram-based systems. He argued that Western actors continue to operate actively on Russian territory.

Solovyov pointed to recent election results in Hungary as a warning, claiming that Hungarian opposition leader Péter Magyar had defeated Viktor Orban because “Soros” controlled all local media. He asserted that Orban had failed to create sovereign sources of information and lost the battle for the younger generation’s minds.

“I completely disagree that we must respect any choice of any people,” Solovyov said. “Why should I respect the choice of people who chant ‘Russians go home?'”

The host accused Western powers of using Russian patriots to promote an anxiety ridden agenda and to stir emotions bordering on defeatism. He questioned the origins of claims that Russian and Ukrainian losses had become equal, suggesting such narratives came from Western media.

Solovyov launched a vitriolic attack on Pavel Gubarev, a former pro Kremlin separatist leader in Donbas, branding him a traitor and a scoundrel after Gubarev gave an interview to Russian journalist Yuri Dud. Solovyov compared Gubarev to General Andrey Vlasov, a Soviet commander who defected to Nazi Germany during the Second World War.

“Gubarev, what you have done has degraded you,” Solovyov said. “Giving an interview to a traitor to the motherland like Dud, saying such things, including about fallen comrades. You have betrayed everyone who once trusted you.”

He called for a criminal case to be opened against Gubarev, alleging that his statements constituted not just discreditation of the Russian military but treason. Solovyov argued that such actions could not be forgiven while the country was at war.

Turning to positive measures, Solovyov called for Russia to showcase its achievements more effectively. He suggested that ordinary Russians should invest their own money in the domestic defence industry, saying he would personally be happy to contribute to weapons manufacturers through bonds or shares.

The propagandist also called for a formal military alliance between Russia and China. He argued that a global war was now inevitable and that such an alliance, while difficult to achieve, was within reach given the unique relations between the two countries’ leaders.

Reacting to Orban’s defeat in Hungary, Solovyov struck a contradictory note, first acknowledging the loss as significant before dismissing Europe entirely. “Europe does not exist for us. We must forget about Europe,” he said. “At the official level, we can only pretend they are not there.”

He suggested that Russia should invite foreign fighters to support its war effort, proposing that Iran deploy between 50,000 and 100,000 fighters to Ukraine. He also called for Russia to invite 50,000 to 100,000 troops from North Korea and to bring Chinese air defence crews to protect Russian facilities.

“Invited forces would gain unique combat experience, and we would forever deprive the West of the illusion that we will ever run out of people,” Solovyov said.

He also expressed interest in reports that North Korea had developed an electromagnetic bomb, suggesting Russia should obtain such a weapon for use on the battlefield. He concluded by calling for consolidation and decisive action.

“I understand everything: spring, fatigue, the economy. I understand it all,” Solovyov said. “But the night is darkest just before the dawn. We must consolidate, make efforts, gather ourselves and take decisive steps to ensure victories at the front.”