At the “Defending Democracy: Horizons of Freedom” conference, Roger Casale, Director of the Westminster Alliance for Ukraine and former UK Member of Parliament, delivered a powerful address on the ongoing war in Ukraine and its global implications.

Emphasizing that the conflict is not just about territory but about freedom, human rights, and democratic values, Casale outlined the work of the Westminster Alliance for Ukraine in mobilizing political and public support across Europe. He highlighted the critical role of civil society, the resilience of the Ukrainian people, and the urgent need for democracies to act decisively in the face of authoritarian threats:

Thank you for the opportunity to share a few reflections on behalf of the Westminster Alliance for Ukraine.

We recognize that the future of Ukraine is the future of Europe. This conflict is not only about territory—it is about our freedom and human rights. Last year’s conference produced the publication Defending Democracy and Human Rights, created by Dr. Visman, Heather Robertson, and myself. From that initiative came the Eyes on Democracy podcast series and the Westminster Alliance for Ukraine.

The Westminster Alliance for Ukraine brings together parliamentarians, civil society activists, business leaders, and researchers to turn the coalition of the willing’s goals into reality. These goals include supporting Ukraine militarily and economically, building its capacity as an independent, free state, and defending media freedom now and in the future. Every effort—big or small—matters to the people of Ukraine.

We must remember that the front line of this conflict is not confined to Ukraine’s borders. Cyberattacks, drone incidents, and hybrid threats reach across Europe and globally. The Ukraine crisis is part of a broader challenge: a new world disorder where power often overrides international law and democratic norms. Authoritarian regimes exploit this chaos, while democratic governments face instability inherent to free elections.

In this context, it is vital to support democratic leaders who stand up for human rights. We must mobilize parliamentary and public support, trust in our values, and understand that democracy and human rights are under attack on multiple fronts—online, in space, and everywhere in between.

Ukraine’s resilience over the past four years demonstrates what is possible. Despite limited resources, Ukraine continues to withstand Russian aggression. This conflict is about values, not just land, and the front line exists in our own living rooms. Europeans must wake up to the threat posed by authoritarian regimes and recognize the need for coordinated military and civil preparedness.

The Westminster Alliance for Ukraine seeks to build a coalition of politicians and citizens to provide stronger support for Ukraine now and in the future. We also aim to strengthen civil society, which will be key to sustainable resilience. This requires engagement from MPs across Europe, particularly in Poland, France, Germany, Italy, the UK, and beyond, as well as public mobilization.

Ultimately, the future of Ukraine lies in the hands of its people, and the future of Europe lies in the hands of its citizens. By standing together and supporting democracy, human rights, and civil society, we can ensure that democratic values prevail.

Thank you.

This article and refined transcript were prepared by the author with AI-assisted language refinement and editorial support. The content remains fully faithful to the original video address. All responsibility for interpretation and publication rests with the author.

Watch the full video from the conference: