Prominent Ukrainian journalist Vitaliy Portnikov has sharply condemned recent statements by Russian propagandist Vladimir Solovyov, who has publicly called for the destruction of Ukrainian cities such as Kyiv, Kharkiv, Odesa, Dnipro, Mykolaiv, and Sumy. According to Portnikov, these statements constitute open incitement to genocide and should be prosecuted under Russian law itself.
Portnikov notes that such statements, unthinkable in the public sphere a few years ago, are now broadcast on Russian television, revealing the Russian authorities’ willingness to resort to extreme actions against Ukraine. He emphasizes that the line between "acceptable" and criminal actions has been erased, with such rhetoric aimed at pleasing the Russian leadership and Putin personally.
The journalist also stresses that President Vladimir Putin’s main goal is not just seizing territory but destroying Ukraine as an independent state and using it as a platform for controlling Europe. Analyzing modern Russian propaganda, Portnikov draws parallels with the darkest episodes of history, including Nazi and Stalinist crimes.
Portnikov is convinced that public incitement to crime must be met with accountability—those calling for mass killings must face international justice. He defines today’s Russian regime as a mafia-like structure purposefully fueling hatred and using propaganda as a tool to legitimize its crimes.
In conclusion, Portnikov urges viewers to remain vigilant, support informational resources, and resist Russian information attacks, expressing confidence that propagandists will eventually answer for their crimes under the law.
