Putin Ally Accused of 'Lying' by Guest on Own TV Show

A Kremlin propagandist and ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin was called out as a liar during a heated discussion live on state TV.

State TV host Vladimir Solovyov, one of the most-prominent figures in Kremlin-backed media, kicked out Vitaly Tretyakov, a journalist and dean at Lomonosov State University in Moscow, from his show after the words were exchanged.

During the TV broadcast, Solovyov became frustrated after Tretyakov began to interrupt another invited guest. He then accused the university dean of regularly expressing negative opinions during discussions on his shows.

"You don't have to lie," Tretyakov said.

Solovyov told him that "I'm afraid you and I will have to part ways."

"If you have the audacity to accuse me of lying, you either do not understand very well what you are saying, or you have completely ceased to understand the meaning of words. Vitaly Tovievich [his forenames], with all due respect to you, I will not allow anyone to accuse me of lying," Solovyov said. Tretyakov then exited the studio, live on TV.

It is not the first time that Solovyov has kicked out guests who have been invited to participate on his shows. In April 2020, the Kremlin propagandist asked Ukrainian expert Vyacheslav Kovtun to leave after he criticized the actions of members of Russia's National Guard.

Solovyov typically uses his shows to amplify Kremlin propaganda. Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022, he has often either called for Moscow to attack members of the NATO military alliance over aid provided to Kyiv, or floated the idea of moving to a nuclear war.

In February 2024, two years into the war, he floated the idea of striking the headquarters of the NATO military alliance in Brussels, Belgium.

"For some reason, NATO members have a feeling, as one Czech commander said, that they are ready for a war with Russia and this war will be waged with non-nuclear means," Solovyov said. "Why? Because this is what they want?"

Solovyov added that Russia should move on to using nuclear weapons to show the West something.

"For starters, conduct testing. Really blow up a bomb to show them something, so that everyone can see it," Solovyov said.

"One million pieces of ammunition! Emptying their own stockpiles. This is what Europe is calling for right now. This means Europe is naked! Right now, they have no ammo," the Kremlin propagandist said. Solovyov added that NATO members should understand that Russia can attack them, including with nuclear weapons.

"If someone doesn't understand they're at war with us, listen to our people on the front lines. They have no doubt whatsoever who is confronting us," Solovyov said. "Strike [NATO] headquarters!"

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