(MOSCOW) – Vladimir Solovyov, a prominent media figure frequently used as a mouthpiece for the Russian dictator, has publicly defended the use of strategic deception and institutional lying during wartime. Speaking on his broadcast, Solovyov argued that “war is the art of deception” and suggested that misleading the public and the media is a necessary component of military success.
The remarks come amid increasing internal friction within the Russian military apparatus. Solovyov addressed reports of units providing false information to the General Staff, a practice that has reportedly led to significant operational failures in Ukraine. Rather than calling for transparency, Solovyov criticised those who expose these falsehoods to the public. He suggested that military personnel who report internal lies to the media are undermining the authority of the General Staff. He further stated that such “whistleblowers” should be handled internally, suggesting they be executed “quietly and calmly” after the leadership has had time to “breathe”.
Solovyov expressed particular disdain for military bloggers and commentators who highlight the discrepancies between official Kremlin reports and the reality on the ground. He argued that publicising military failures or leaked documents regarding the defence industry, which is currently struggling to meet production demands, serves only to incite “hysteria” among the Russian population. According to Solovyov, such openness hinders the ability of the state to “replenish the ranks of the Red Army”, as potential recruits are discouraged by negative reports from influential bloggers.
The broadcast also touched upon the difficulty of maintaining state secrets in the digital age. Solovyov dismissed the justification that because information is available on Western or Ukrainian platforms, it should be discussed within Russia. He advocated for a return to Soviet style control over information, referencing the “Great Soviet Union” as a model for stability through enforced public calm.
Economic analysts note that the Russian dictator’s reliance on such rhetoric coincides with a precarious economic situation. The Kremlin continues to divert massive resources to the military, with the 2026 defence budget estimated at 15.7 trillion Russian Rubles (170 billion US Dollars). Solovyov’s call for “deep secrecy” is seen by sceptics as an attempt to mask the high human and financial costs of the ongoing aggression against Ukraine.
