Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. (Photo by Sputnik)

Russia`s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has blamed the European Union for being the "main obstacle" to peace in Ukraine.

Lavrov told TASS on Sunday that Brussels is not ready for constructive negotiations with Moscow and is openly making preparations for war, pointlessly hoping to inflict a "strategic defeat on Russia."

He said leaders of the European Union were to blame for Brussels` continued support for Kiev. The "European war party" is betting its "political capital in inflicting a strategic defeat on Russia."

The top Russian diplomat pointed out that "almost all European countries, with few exceptions, have been pumping the Kiev regime full of money and weapons."

Lavrov said even when the Russian troops continue to hold the initiative on the battlefield, the EU leaders are wasting resources by supporting Kiev.

He added that the EU leaders wishfully dream of knocking out the Russian economy by slapping ineffective sanctions on Moscow.

He said the EU was presently trying to ruin the peace initiative taken by US President Donald Trump after coming to power.

"After a new administration came to power in the United States, Europe and the European Union emerged as the main obstacles to peace," Lavrov said.

"They are making no secret of the fact that they are getting ready to fight it out with Russia on the battlefield," he added.

Lavrov said, "These ambitions have literally blinded them."

Russia has repeatedly warned that the EU`s meddling in the peace process is hindering the effort. In past weeks, the EU has sought to influence negotiations on settling the Ukraine conflict.

The top Russian diplomat said the EU`s hostility toward Moscow goes back to 2014, when Brussels "started talking about the so-called Russian threat and inciting Russia-hating and militarist sentiment" among European populations.

"There is no need to be afraid of Russia attacking anyone. However, should anyone consider attacking Russia, they would face a devastating blow," Lavrov warned.