MOSCOW, June 25. /TASS/. Europe, by allocating funds to Ukraine to let it go ahead with hostilities against Russia, has today become the primary obstacle to peace, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated during a news briefing.

She highlighted that, notably, the Netherlands plans to finance the purchase of drones and air defense systems for Ukraine, amounting to 500 million euros, while Belgium has confirmed its intention to deliver the first seven F-16 fighter jets in 2026.

"These announced donations, aimed at prolonging the bloodshed and aggression against civilians, serve as further evidence that Western Europe has become the main barrier to achieving peace," Zakharova remarked. She also pointed out that Kiev, with its claims of a "rapid victory," seeks to provoke Russia into escalating the conflict and to secure additional military and financial aid from the West. Ultimately, she warned, these actions aim to draw NATO and EU countries into direct military confrontation with Russia.