Kathrine Frich
State-controlled television has long been a central tool of influence in Russia.
The propaganda dates back to the Soviet era when media was tightly managed to shape public opinion.
That legacy continues today, with key broadcasters often echoing official narratives.
On-air clash
State television presenter Vladimir Solovyov issued an apology to influencer Viktoria Bonya during a live broadcast, following earlier remarks he made about her.
“I must apologize. You are absolutely right,” he said according to Moscow Times. “I was too emotional, and regardless of the motivation behind what I said, I should have been much stricter with my words spoken live on air.”
However, he refused Bonya’s request to apologize to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
Meloni dispute
Bonya had suggested offering an apology “on behalf of the whole country” to Meloni, whom Solovyov had previously called a “lady of the night” and a “fascist creature.”
Solovyov rejected the idea, pointing to criticism of Russian President Vladimir Putin from Italian politicians.
“Do they owe Putin an apology?” he asked.
Bonya responded that she had not heard such statements and could not support that argument.
During the broadcast, Bonya brought up issues rarely discussed on state media, including environmental damage near Tuapse and livestock culls in Siberia.
Solovyov accused Western media of using her earlier video appeal to Putin to undermine Russia.
“For them, it is important to show that there is no democracy in Russia, that Putin is not loved, that he is a dictator,” he said.
He added that he felt “rage” after Bonya claimed people were afraid of the president, insisting instead that “the people love Putin.”
War context
The presenter also criticized Bonya for speaking from abroad.
“Have there been drone strikes in Monaco where you live? We have had them here. We are at war,” he said.
He also dismissed claims that he was misogynistic, saying it was “rather strange” and adding that “70% of misogynists are women.”
Bonya’s earlier video appeal to Putin gained widespread attention, drawing more than 30 million views.
In it, she highlighted issues she said officials were unwilling to raise and suggested that many people feared speaking openly.
Her comments triggered a public response from the Kremlin, which said it was addressing the concerns she raised.
Sources: The Moscow Times
