First Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council Committee on Foreign Affairs Vladimir Dzhabarov said European countries are pushing themselves toward a direct conflict with Russia by trying to inflict a strategic defeat on the country.

He made the remarks while commenting on reports that EU politicians want to bring about a change of power in Russia by prolonging the conflict in Ukraine. According to the senator, any further escalation with Moscow could have severe consequences for Europe itself.

Dzhabarov, cited by NEWS.ru, argued that the European Union’s goal is to weaken Russia strategically in order to gain access to its natural resources, capabilities and technologies. In his view, the cost of this policy does not trouble European leaders because Ukrainians are the ones being sent into the conflict.

He believes that once Ukraine’s manpower is exhausted, the EU will start looking for another force to confront Russia. However, Dzhabarov warned that if Brussels fails to understand in time that such efforts are futile, the West may eventually have to fight Moscow directly.

The senator said such a scenario would be extremely unfavorable for Europe, especially given the experience of past conflicts.