Escalation or Threat? How Central Asian Countries Reacted to Solovyov's Words
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The Armenian Foreign Ministry protested to the Russian ambassador over Solovyov's remarks.
Armenia quickly reacted to Solovyov's statements, summoning the Russian ambassador to the Foreign Ministry and handing him a note of protest that expressed "deep indignation" regarding what was said on the state television channel. The ministry noted that such statements contradict the spirit of friendship between Armenia and Russia.
Meanwhile, how did other Central Asian countries react to these ambiguous statements? We gathered key opinions in the material 24.kg.
Kyrgyzstan
The press secretary of the President of Kyrgyzstan advised not to take Solovyov's words seriously. He noted that reactions to the journalist's statements should come from the professional community, not from officials.
If such statements were made by a deputy or a minister, then a response from our authorities would be appropriate. But Solovyov is just a TV host.
Askat Alagozov
He also reported that one of the deputies suggested declaring Solovyov a persona non grata, which requires a separate procedure.
According to the press secretary, it is important to remember the high level of bilateral and multilateral relations between Kyrgyzstan and Russia. He emphasized that such provocations can lead to misunderstandings and require an adequate response from the Russian side.
Deputy Dastan Bekeshev proposed recognizing Solovyov as a persona non grata.
Political analyst Yrysbek Osmonov emphasized that Kyrgyzstan is not a territory for conquests, and such statements are offensive and threaten friendly relations between nations.
Kazakhstan
Political scientist Gaziz Abishev suggests that Solovyov's words may be a reaction from the Kremlin to U.S. actions in Venezuela or his personal demarche demonstrating militarism.
He noted that such unfounded attacks violate the ethical norms of relations between states and can exacerbate interethnic conflicts.
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Political scientist Dosym Satpaev believes that Moscow's fear of losing allies lies behind Solovyov's words, pointing to the loss of influence in Syria and Venezuela.
"If the fears of fools are on their lips, then the fears of kings are in their heads," Satpaev wrote on Facebook.
As for the official reaction, Deputy Aidos Sarym expressed the opinion that there is no need to comment on Solovyov's words at the state level.
Sarym noted that such opinions should be analyzed and responded to from a scientific perspective. He added that "smart diplomacy" is more effective than political demarches.
There is no need to react to the opinions of every political scientist and journalist from Russia at the state level.
Aidos Sarym
The deputy also noted that Solovyov's words are a manifestation of insecurity, and if necessary, he could be placed on a blacklist.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan confirmed the existence of a blacklist for politicians and experts with aggressive rhetoric towards the country.
Uzbekistan
In Uzbekistan, Solovyov's words sparked a wave of outrage, especially among experts and journalists. Local analysts characterized his speech as "propaganda justifying military intervention." The rector of the Journalism University, Sherzodkhon Kudratkhodja, noted that this is not just an emotional outburst but a manifestation of colonial thinking.
This is insane propaganda, showing a colonial approach to the sovereignty of the republics.
Sherzodkhon Kudratkhodja
Journalist Ilyas Safarov believed that this is a political signal with threats.
Deputy Bobur Bekmurodov stated that the era when the fates of nations were decided in television studios has long passed.
He emphasized that any threats to independence are met with a decisive response, and the countries of the region have all the necessary resources to protect their security.
Public figures in Uzbekistan also appealed to the Foreign Ministry, calling for an official response.
Tajikistan
In Tajikistan, officials did not make statements regarding Solovyov's words. Political expert Sherali Rizoen criticized his remarks on his Telegram channel, pointing out the inadequacy of such statements.
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He mentioned the unstable psycho-emotional state of people, which may have influenced Solovyov's call for war.
"This is creating a problem out of nothing when there are no objective reasons for aggression," Rizoen concluded.
Turkmenistan
In Turkmenistan, there was no reaction to Solovyov's words, and Ashgabat preferred not to comment on these provocations.
P.S. Experts believe that Solovyov's statements are not only an attempt to outline Russia's geopolitical interests but also a preparation of public opinion for a possible confrontation. Such threats increase tension in the international situation, and analysts recommend that the regions focus on strengthening their security and defense capabilities.
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