Vladimir Solovyov is one of the most influential propagandists in Russia. He has been honored with medals many times President Putin and positioned himself as an irreproachable patriot. Wearing military uniform, Solovyov actively promotes Invasion of Ukraine, regularly to the front lines and regularly encourages every healthy Russian male to join the army or volunteer.
The Russian TV star’s televised taunts are often directed at anyone not taking part in the so-called “special military operation”. He reserved particular indignation for young people who left the country to avoid military mobilization, and who were not eager to participate in what Solovyov often described as a “great patriotic war.” Russia’s “holy war” or “holy war” against the West.
Most recently, on his Monday show “Full Contact,” the host enthusiastically asserted that young people were instrumental in the Second World War. He stressed that it is the patriotic duty of every young Russian male to contribute to the war effort.
But just a day before that, a viral Tweet called Solovyov’s eldest son, Daniil Solovyov, 21, accusing him of working as a male model in London instead of volunteering to fight in Putin’s war of imperial conquest. The tweet included a photo of Solovyov with his son, alongside multiple photos of Daniil, including one that appeared to have been professionally taken.
By Tuesday, the presenter had no choice but to address the spreading rumor. In his typical fashion, Solovyov raged with another round of criticism.
With exasperation on stage, Solovyov recounted calling his son to discuss allegations of him modeling in the UK. He admitted that his son actually studied in London a few years ago, but pointed out that Daniil is now in Moscow, “living a difficult life of an ordinary young man” and “doesn’t try to hide from anyone.” what.” Solovyov stressed that his son has grown up and is living life on his own terms, insisting that “it doesn’t matter if his father likes it or not”.
Describing his opponents as “beasts” and accusing them of being paid by Ukrainians, the presenter threatened to sue anyone who posts allegations that his son is currently modeling in London. Solovyov tells of his own trips to the neighborhoods of the front lines—where he filmed propaganda videos that were later shown on his own programs—as if visiting the troops was like serving with them. .
Appearing after this segment, meteorologist Evgeny Tishkovets – a frequent supporter of Solovyov’s claim of nuclear strikes against NATO countries, comforted the host, calling him “” greatest journalist” and urges him not to pay attention to his detractors.
The choice of members of the Solovyov family stands in stark contrast to the propagandist’s daily condemnation of other Russians who choose to live or study in the West. The judgments he makes on television also conflict with his own frequent complaints about the injustice of lost access to his Italian villa because of sanctions. Those are just some of the ways the host’s patriotic speeches don’t fit his own lifestyle.
