Jens Asbjørn Bøgen
He said they will do it “quietly” after reducing the city to a nuclear wasteland.
He said they will do it “quietly” after reducing the city to a nuclear wasteland.
What is happening?
Vladimir Solovyev, Russia’s top state TV propagandist, has sparked outrage with a grim declaration on national television, claiming Russian troops will eventually “quietly” garrison Berlin—after reducing it to a “nuclear wasteland.”
A New Low in Russian Rhetoric
Speaking with visible glee, Solovyev suggested Russia would wait until radiation levels returned to safe levels before stationing a small, permanent force in Germany’s capital.
He added that such a force would be modest, as “there is no need for a large garrison in a nuclear wasteland.”
As Diplomatic Channels Collapse
Solovyev’s tirade came just as German Chancellor Friedrich Merz declared all diplomatic options to end the war in Ukraine had been exhausted.
His rhetoric aligns with Moscow’s increasingly aggressive tone as the war grinds on with no end in sight.
Groundless Blame for Nord Stream Sabotage
In the same broadcast, Solovyev baselessly accused Germany of orchestrating the 2022 Nord Stream pipeline explosions.
The blasts severely disrupted Europe’s energy supply, and Western nations have largely pointed the finger at Russia—something Moscow denies. Solovyev’s narrative flips the blame with zero supporting evidence.
Baltic Cable Attacks Also Cited
Solovyev didn’t stop with Nord Stream. He referenced claims that Russia damaged undersea communication cables in the Baltic Sea—then flipped the script again, saying Germany is behind those alleged acts.
Propaganda Playbook in Full Effect
The bizarre accusations fit a familiar pattern in Russian state media: sowing doubt, redirecting blame, and stoking fear.
Solovyev’s broadcasts often serve as a testing ground for Kremlin-approved talking points, laced with threats and revisionist history.
Twisting History to Justify Aggression
In his speech, Solovyev suggested a long-standing pattern of German hostility toward Russia, attempting to cast current tensions as part of a larger, centuries-old narrative.
It’s a tactic he’s used before—anchoring today’s geopolitical struggles in selectively reinterpreted past conflicts.
A Long Track Record of Provocation
Solovyev is notorious for his incendiary style, combining aggressive nationalism, conspiracy theories, and raw intimidation.
He’s a key figure in Russia’s disinformation strategy, often exaggerating or fabricating claims to mobilize support and distract from the Kremlin’s own actions.
Nuclear Threats: A Recurring Theme
Russia has repeatedly invoked its nuclear capabilities since invading Ukraine in 2022.
President Vladimir Putin himself has warned of using “all means” to defend Russia’s sovereignty—comments widely interpreted as nuclear threats aimed at deterring Western involvement.
Europe’s Deepening Divide
Solovyev’s threats come at a time when Europe’s geopolitical rifts are deepening.
While the Kremlin’s claims lack credible evidence, their aggressive tone is clearly designed to rattle Western audiences and reinforce Moscow’s defiant posture as the war in Ukraine grinds on.
