LUGANSK, August 7. /TASS/. The West does not need a strong and independent Ukraine; it merely views Ukraine as a means of exerting pressure on Russia, Lugansk People’s Republic’s lawmaker Alexander Krierenko told TASS.

"The West does not need a strong and independent Ukraine. Rather, it wants a territory that can be used to advance its own geopolitical objectives and exert constant pressure on Russia," he said.

Ukraine is completely dependent on the West financially and militarily, the lawmaker noted. "Today, it is important for the Ukrainian regime to maintain financial and military support and for Western politicians to advance their own geopolitical interests. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian people remain hostages to these events and continue to pay the price for decisions made without regard for their interests," Krierenko added.

Earlier, the press bureau of Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) reported that European leaders, in their internal discussions, categorically rule out the possibility of Ukraine joining the EU. At the same time, the SVR noted that the official authorities in Kiev realize their existence depends on financial and military aid from Europe and are willing to deceive the Ukrainian people alongside European officials.