On June 18, Lilit Minasyan, an MP in the Armenian Parliament, accused Russian figures, including Margarita Simonyan, Maria Zakharova, and certain Russian State Duma representatives, of attempting to interfere in the trial of Armenian businessman Samvel Karapetyan. She highlighted a controversial video from Russian journalist Vladimir Solovyov’s program that disparaged Armenia, its democracy, and its elected Prime Minister. Minasyan questioned Mkhitar Hayrapetyan, the Minister of High-Tech Industry, about measures to protect Armenian society from such "hybrid warfare" propaganda broadcast on Russian state television.

Minister Hayrapetyan responded that Solovyov’s program is not aired on Armenia’s public multiplex (the primary TV platform) but is accessible via IPTV and cable providers. He explained that amendments to the Law on Audiovisual Mass Media would soon impose content requirements on these broadcasters. He also noted the widespread online distribution of the program, including enthusiastic sharing by Armenians living in Russia, which he described as a tragic aspect of the issue.

Hasmik Hakobyan, an MP from the ruling party, pointed out that Russian official and unofficial media consistently expressed support for Samvel Karapetyan. She asked Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan whether concerns had been raised with Russian counterparts. Mirzoyan confirmed that unacceptable statements and calls broadcast on Russian state television were reported to Russia as interference in Armenia’s internal affairs, violating Armenian-Russian friendship agreements and Armenia’s sovereignty and democracy. An official letter had been sent to Russian officials.

Armenian Parliament Speaker Alen Simonyan condemned Solovyov’s rhetoric on his Facebook page, describing it as direct interference and deliberate incitement of hatred against Armenia’s leadership and people. Simonyan warned that such actions harm Armenian-Russian relations and provoke public disgust in Armenia. He expressed hope that Russian colleagues would respond with a clear apology on the same channel.

Notably, Russian journalist Vladimir Solovyov had publicly supported Samvel Karapetyan, accusing the Armenian government of exerting unprecedented pressure and labeling it a "venal, vile, insignificant government" that "betrayed the history of Armenia," "surrendered Artsakh," and "destroyed sacred symbols." He questioned whether the Armenian people still had a say in their country’s fate or if they would suffer "the same fate as Artsakh."