A noticeable shift appears underway in Russian state propaganda regarding the war in Ukraine, as exemplified by recent statements from prominent host Vladimir Solovyov. Contrasting sharply with earlier narratives about "liberating" all of Ukraine and protecting "Russian people," Solovyov's rhetoric now downplays the importance of territories Russia failed to capture and expresses open disdain for Ukrainian collaborators seeking refuge in Russia.
Solovyov dismisses the need for regions like Kharkiv or Western Ukraine. He argues the local populations there are hostile and didn't "fight for themselves" like Donbas allegedly did, implying they haven't "earned" Russian intervention. Furthermore, Solovyov suggests Russia lacks the resources and personnel (likening the required numbers to 15-20 million people) to effectively control and assimilate such large, unwilling populations.
Solovyov also directs harsh words towards Ukrainian politicians and bloggers who fled to Russia and now advocate for the complete capture of Ukraine. He mockingly tells them to take up arms themselves if they desire total victory, stating Russia owes them nothing. In a particularly pointed remark aimed at collaborator Oleg Tsaryov – who reportedly received a seized poultry farm in occupied Crimea – Solovyov tells him to "cluck there" at his farm instead of commenting on grand strategy.
This change in tone, reflects a new propaganda manual likely driven by Russia's military setbacks and inability to achieve its initial, maximalist war aims. The narrative now seeks to justify the current situation by deeming unconquered territories unnecessary and portraying former Ukrainian allies who fled as burdensome and ungrateful, underscoring their disposable status once their perceived usefulness has passed.
