Solovyov announces the SVO
Russian propagandist Vladimir Solovyov did indeed discuss the possibility of conducting a "SMO" (special military operation) in Armenia and Central Asia. On his program on January 10, 2026, he stated that the loss of influence in these regions represented a "massive problem" for Russia and suggested ignoring international law, similar to its actions in Ukraine. He emphasized that post-Soviet countries should be a priority, not, for example, Venezuela or Syria, and asked, "If we needed to launch a SMO in Ukraine for our national security, why can't we launch a SMO in other parts of our zone of influence?"