Solovyov Blames US Hawks and Ben Hodges for Strikes on Russian Oil Sites (Video)

(MOSCOW) – On state television, host Vladimir Solovyov blamed former US general Ben Hodges and so called American hawks for recent strikes on Russia oil facilities. Solovyov said the attacks are carried out continually and asked who is responsible. He named Ben Hodges and claimed Hodges had published material showing where and how to strike. Solovyov said this made it clear that the strikes were the work of US hawks.

Solovyov asserted that American forces were behind the planning, guidance and collection of reconnaissance data for the strikes. He said he did not know whether these actions were directed consciously by the White House, but that it was obvious to him that US forces stood behind the operation.

The host referred to a published report, saying it identified targets whose damage would harm the Russian economy. Solovyov did not give full details on the programme he described but said some elements should not be made public.

Solovyov framed the strikes as part of hostile efforts to weaken Russia economically and suggested outside actors were coordinating or supporting the attacks. His remarks placed blame on the United States and named Ben Hodges specifically as providing direction or inspiration.

Solovyov said not everything should be discussed openly but suggested Russia should consider its own possible responses.

The host also invoked the well known figures Petrov and Bashirov, widely identified abroad as suspects in the Salisbury poisoning case. He suggested in a mocking tone that they were capable of actions beyond “looking at the Salisbury spire,” implying retaliation.

The claims made on the programme were not accompanied by evidence presented on air. Independent verification of Solovyov s assertions was not provided.