Vladimir Solovyov, a prominent Russian media figure known for his aggressive rhetoric, recently made statements threatening NATO during a broadcast segment. His remarks have been described as too radical for the typical Kremlin oversight. Julia Davis, a journalist with Russia Media Monitor who tracks Russian state media, shared a clip from Solovyov’s show, Full Contact. Solovyov expressed anger after Norway seized a Russian ship in the Svalbard archipelago, acting at the request of Ukraine’s Naftogaz.

Solovyov’s reaction included calls for Russia to deploy troops to the border with NATO-member Norway and to sever relations with Germany and the EU. He stated, “We spit on NATO, bomb the hell out of it.” Davis noted that this segment of his three-hour broadcast was aired live but then deleted from state media websites because of its content. The message “deleted broadcast, recorded live” was visible in the video clip she posted.

The broadcast appeared on yapolitic.ru, a Russian media website, although it’s unclear if Solovyov’s comments were censored. Newsweek reached out to his media platform, Solovyov Live, for comment but have not received a response.

Thwarted Terror Plot Against Germany

Solovyov, aligned with Vladimir Putin, often frames the war in Ukraine as a proxy battle with NATO. His shows frequently call for attacks on Western countries, including nuclear strikes, although these do not necessarily reflect Kremlin directives. During Full Contact, Solovyov described a threat emanating from the West as “European Nazism” and “Satanism.” Kremlin officials have used similar language to justify the invasion of Ukraine, although these claims are widely rejected internationally.

He mocked the allegations of Russian connections to a drone near a Ukrainian cargo aircraft in Leipzig/Halle Airport on August 4. Amid what he perceives as “hysteria,” Solovyov urged the cutting of diplomatic ties with the EU, and suggested retracting German nation recognition.

German officials say the Leipzig incident fits into Russian hybrid operations. They have officially attributed the drone plot to Russia, stating that only chance averted major catastrophe. Armed Conflict Location & Event Data (ACLED) reported that Germany faced the most hybrid operations in Western Europe in 2025, with 35 of 82 events targeting the country. ACLED analyst Joel Crisetig told Newsweek, “Moscow is intensifying its hybrid warfare against Western Europe, especially Germany.”

Norway’s Seizure of Russian Ship

The seizure of the Russian ship, Professor Molchanov, by Norway heightened tensions further. The action was taken at the request of Ukraine’s Naftogaz, following an arbitration ruling against Russia for compensation over assets lost after Crimea’s annexation. Norway, a NATO member, faced accusations of piracy from Moscow.

The vessel remains held under Norwegian court orders. Solovyov voiced strong opposition, labeling those involved as “lowlifes” acting on “shady Ukrainian Nazi structures” orders. He called for the Russian navy and airforce’s deployment to reclaim the vessel, stating, “NATO wants something, we spit on NATO, bomb the hell out of it.”

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