“Russian TV host Vladimir Solovyov has once again demonstrated blatant disrespect toward Azerbaijan through his characteristically biased and hysterical remarks during his program broadcast on Russia’s state-run “Rossiya 1” channel.

In defense of his close friend, Armenian-origin Russian businessman Samvel Karapetyan - recently detained by Armenian law enforcement agencies - Solovyov repeatedly used the term “Artsakh,” accused the Armenian authorities of “gifting Artsakh away,” and, addressing the Armenian people live on air, claimed they too might face “Artsakh’s fate” in the future,” the Media Development Agency of Azerbaijan said in a statement.

The statement further noted: “By distorting historical facts and interpreting recent developments with clear bias, Vladimir Solovyov has consistently demonstrated animosity and hatred toward Azerbaijan - an attitude that has been openly reflected in his broadcasts. His commentary on the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict, the 44-day Patriotic War, and Azerbaijan’s full restoration of its territorial integrity and sovereignty has consistently lacked objectivity, conveyed contradictory narratives, and has repeatedly provoked strong reactions in Azerbaijan.

It is deeply concerning that such inflammatory remarks are aired on a Russian state television channel. These statements are unacceptable and run counter to the spirit of friendly relations between our countries, as well as to the official position of the Russian government on the matter.

This rhetoric, which constitutes hate speech and violates journalistic ethics and moral principles, is utterly unacceptable. We strongly condemn these remarks and expect a formal apology from the other side.”