Vladimir Solovyov, a prominent television presenter known for his allegiance to the Kremlin, recently launched a vehement verbal assault on former US President Donald Trump amidst ongoing tensions related to the conflict in Ukraine. Broadcast on Russian state television, Solovyov’s tirade extended beyond Trump, encompassing criticisms of French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, while emphatically rejecting calls for any ceasefire.
The outburst came shortly after Trump publicly accused Vladimir Putin of misleading him regarding peace negotiations. Trump had urged Putin to “sit down and make a deal” and advocate for a full ceasefire in Ukraine. In response, the Kremlin proposed a temporary three-day truce to coincide with the Victory in Europe (VE) Day commemorations on May 7. However, Solovyov dismissed this gesture as merely tactical rather than a genuine change in Russia’s approach to the conflict.
Addressing Trump's influence, Solovyov stated, “Whether Trump imposes sanctions on us or not — what difference does it make? Trump is not Putin. He does not have the full authority or capabilities.” The propagandist further mocked Macron’s calls for Putin to demonstrate sincerity about peace, derogatorily referring to the French leader as a “pathetic nobody,” adding, “We owe you nothing at all.”
Solovyov also disregarded Ukraine’s position on the conflict, asserting, “Zelensky agrees to a complete ceasefire. We couldn’t care less what Zelensky agrees or disagrees with!” He claimed the Russian military’s mission was ongoing, saying, “The mission is not yet fully accomplished. Russia’s land is not yet liberated. And the men in uniform are not waiting for Trump – they are carrying out their assigned combat missions.”
In response to the Kremlin’s comments and the proposed truce, President Zelensky categorised the ceasefire offer as a form of “manipulation” aimed at securing silence during Moscow’s May 8 military parade. During a nightly address, Zelensky said, “For some reason everyone should wait for May 8 and only then cease fire to provide Putin with silence during the parade. We value human lives, not parades.” He insisted that the fire must stop immediately, not just temporarily, calling for “an immediate, complete and unconditional ceasefire – and for at least 30 days, to be guaranteed and credible,” emphasising that such conditions were essential to any meaningful diplomatic progress.
Zelensky also highlighted recent Ukrainian operations, including the “liquidation” of high-ranking Russian officers, referencing the death of Lieutenant-General Yaroslav Moskalik in a suspected car bomb attack in Moscow.
The Express is reporting on this series of confrontations and statements, underscoring the continuing volatility of the situation as well as the uncompromising rhetoric emanating from various key figures involved in the conflict.
Source: Noah Wire Services