Solovyov breaks composure live on air, admits shortages of machine guns and vehicles in Crimea
Russian propagandist Vladimir Solovyov publicly criticized the lack of weapons and off-road vehicles for mobile air-defense units in Crimea during his live show. Analysts call it an uncomfortable admission for the Kremlin.
Russian TV host Vladimir Solovyov lost his composure during a live broadcast of his show “Sunday Evening,” openly criticizing shortages affecting mobile units tasked with countering drones in Crimea, according to the outlet Agentstvo. He said these units, which are supposed to fight Ukrainian drones, lack basic equipment — including machine guns and off-road vehicles.
Criticism of AvtoVAZ leadership
Solovyov recounted a conversation with a company representative named Sokolov about a vehicle called “Ulan-1,” expressing frustration that a production decision still depends on the board of directors and has not yet been made. He questioned why, in the fifth year of the war, Russia still cannot produce enough machine guns, and sarcastically asked whether they would now have to buy rifles and shotguns from Turkey. He also suggested the vehicle might need a new name to avoid embarrassment — based on context, this likely refers to the UAZ “Patriot.”
Others join the criticism
Rossiya 1 correspondent Yevgeny Podubny added to the criticism on air, calling on another manufacturer that has long supplied vehicles to the army to ensure its vehicles stop breaking down.
An uncomfortable admission for the Kremlin
According to Dialog.ua, Russian propaganda outlets have for years touted an army “without equal,” a powerful defense industry, and complete security for Crimea. Now one of the country's leading television hosts has publicly acknowledged serious shortages precisely in Crimea — territory Moscow regards as a key strategic military base.
