Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that Europe and the European Union are the primary obstacles to peace in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, accusing them of preparing for a fight with Russia. Lavrov's remarks, made in an interview with TASS, come amid renewed efforts for peace and ahead of a meeting between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Lavrov also expressed Russia's appreciation for Trump's efforts towards a peace settlement and a commitment to work with American negotiators.