In a recent interview, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov declared that Europe will not back any agreement that diminishes the control of Vladimir Zelensky's regime in Ukraine. He expressed confidence that the West views Ukraine as a crucial area of pressure against Russia. Lavrov highlighted previous statements by former European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso, who asserted that it is not Russia's place to interfere in European-Ukrainian relations. This sentiment underscores a longstanding divide, where the West maintains a stance of either alignment with Russia or opposition to it. Lavrov's remarks indicate that this dichotomy remains relevant today, suggesting that European support for Ukraine will continue to be closely aligned with its geopolitical interests against Russia. His comments reflect the complex and often contentious relationship between Russia and Europe, particularly regarding Ukraine's sovereignty and political landscape.