Armenia summons Russian ambassador over Solovyov’s remarks

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has summoned Sergey Kopirkin, Russia’s ambassador to Armenia. Kopirkin was handed a note of protest, where strong indignation was expressed over statements made by Russian TV host Vladimir Solovyov.

Speaking to Armenpress, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Ani Badalyan said the protest note conveyed deep outrage over remarks aired on a program broadcast by a Russian state television channel.

“It was emphasized that these statements constitute an unacceptable encroachment on the sovereignty of the Republic of Armenia, represent a hostile act, and grossly violate the fundamental principles of friendly relations between Armenia and Russia,” Badalyan said.

Solovyov, a Russian TV host and journalist, had stated that “losing Armenia is not in Russia’s interests” and that Russia should conduct “special military operations” not only in Ukraine but also in territories within its sphere of influence, paying no heed to international law.