Russia: Western Europe is the biggest obstacle to peace in Ukraine

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova made statements on current issues at her weekly press conference held in the capital, Moscow. Zakharova stated that the Netherlands plans to finance the purchase of drones and air defense systems worth 500 million euros for Ukraine, and Belgium plans to deliver 7 F-16 fighter jets to Kyiv, saying, "This shows that Western Europe is the biggest obstacle to peace in Ukraine."

Criticizing the US for providing support to Ukraine, Zakharova said, "The provision of military equipment to the Kyiv administration could lead to unpredictable consequences for regional and international security. We consider these as legitimate military targets. We have repeatedly expressed this in our contacts with Washington."

Zakharova noted that Russia is in a deep crisis period in its relations with France and the EU, saying, "This is not caused by us. Our relations are in a state of hybrid war initiated by the West against Russia. French President Emmanuel Macron is personally responsible for the deadlock in bilateral relations. Macron's team, by openly discussing preparations for war with our country, has lost the sense of reality and the instinct for self-preservation."