DISINFO: A lie has never been told in Solovyov's studio

A particular case of a broader disinformation narrative from pro-Kremlin outlets claiming that Russia is a free country while the EU is totalitarian. This message was voiced by Vladimir Solovyov, host of one of the most blatant propagandist TV shows, in the context of Russia slapping a ban on over 80 EU news outlets on 25 June 2025.

There have been numerous cases of misleading pro-Kremlin propaganda on Solovyov’s shows since the beginning of Russia's war on Ukraine in 2014 when Russia illegally annexed the Ukrainian peninsula of Crimea and instigated a separatist revolt in some Eastern parts of Ukraine. Solovyov has boosted his propaganda efforts since Russia launched its unjustified and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Vladimir Solovyov was added to the EU sanctions list on February 23, 2022, for supporting actions and policies which undermine the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. He is also sanctioned by many other countries including the UK, US, Canada, Australia, Japan, Switzerland and New Zealand.

Some of the most recurring narratives of Solovyov and other pro-Kremlin propagandists are as follows:

-- NATO is threatening Russia’s security;

-- Ukraine does not exist, Ukraine's statehood is fictitious, Ukraine is a Western colony;

-- Crimea and other eastern and southern Ukrainian regions are historically Russian;

-- Ukraine is a Nazi state;

-- Russia wants peace while the West and Ukraine oppose it;

-- Russian troops have not committed war crimes in Ukraine;

-- The EU is Nazi, undemocratic and without free media;

-- The EU is pitting Georgia, Armenia, and Kazakhstan against Russia;

-- EU sanctions are either illegal or do not affect Russia’s economy;

-- Russophobia;

-- Western nations are morally corrupt while Russia is a stronghold of traditional values;

NATO troops are fighting in Ukraine

Some other narratives have appeared recently:

-- Ukraine is involved in an attempt on Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico;

-- The EU, the US and Ukraine are involved in terrorist attacks in Russia;

-- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is illegitimate.

All of these and many other narratives have been successfully debunked. See the full database of EUvsDisinfo. Read also similar cases claiming that RT is the voice of truth, that West falsely claims Russian media not free, and that Russia is the most liberal country where everyone has the opportunity to speak.