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A senior Russian state TV propagandist has openly called for Vladimir Putin to expand military action beyond Ukraine, declaring Moscow should no longer care about international law - as Donald Trump reportedly weighs up a potential US move against Greenland. Vladimir Solovyov, one of the Kremlin’s most prominent broadcasters, delivered the chilling remarks in a YouTube video posted just ten days into 2026, warning that Russia must abandon restraint and clearly define a new "zone of influence".
"We have to explain that the games are over," Solovyov said. "We couldn’t care less about international laws or rules." Referring to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, he added: "If we had to start our special military operation on the territory of Ukraine in the interests of our national security based on the same considerations, why can’t we start special military operations in other parts of our zone of influence?"
Solovyov urged Moscow to formally declare which countries it considers within its sphere - and to make clear that no government hostile to Russia would be tolerated.
"If you happen to be in an area we define as a sphere of our vital interests, you can have any kind of government, except that it can’t be anti-Russian, we won’t put up with any anti-Russian government," he said.
"If we have to, we will devote all efforts to this."
The comments come as global tensions rise, with reports suggesting Donald Trump has revived controversial discussions about US control of Greenland, a strategically vital Arctic territory.
US President Donald Trump has claimed the United States will take control of Greenland "one way or the other", arguing the mineral-rich, Danish self-governing territory is vital to American national security amid increased Russian and Chinese activity in the Arctic.
Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump warned that if Washington does not act, Moscow or Beijing would "take over", despite neither country laying claim to the island. He said he would be open to a deal but insisted US control was inevitable, dismissing concerns from Denmark and European allies, who have warned that any attempt to seize Greenland by force would severely damage transatlantic security and NATO relations.
Solovyov dismissed Western opinion entirely, telling viewers: "We should stop casting pearls before swine. We could spit at what Europe thinks… we simply couldn’t care less."
He also demanded Russia fully mobilise for a long conflict, insisting: "This war is for a long time."
Calling for a drastic economic overhaul, Solovyov pushed for a wartime footing, saying: "Let’s build our economy the way science demands. A war time economy."
He warned Russia must prepare for a future without oil money, adding: "We have to understand that in the near future, we won’t have oil revenue… we have to build a different type of economy while we have time for this."
The broadcaster even hinted Russia has covert capabilities to influence foreign governments, claiming: "As for specialists that could pull off an operation, like the one with Maduro, we do have them."
Solovyov’s remarks underline growing fears that Moscow's hardliners are pushing for wider confrontation, as global powers signal an increasingly aggressive stance on territory and influence.
English (US) · 