In an interview for W News with Leigh-Ann Gerrans at Al Arabiya English, Roger Casale from the Westminster Alliance for Ukraine warned that Europe must urgently “wake up” to the long-term threat posed by Russia and significantly strengthen its own defence capabilities. His comments came after another failed attempt by U.S. envoys Steve Wykoff and Jared Kushner to secure Russia’s approval for a renewed peace plan.
A Conflict Stuck in a Loop
Asked whether the repetitive stalemate felt like “Groundhog Day,” Casale agreed that the conflict is stuck in a cycle with no clear exit.
“Putin does not have a plan for getting out of this war,” he said, noting that the Kremlin needs the conflict to maintain domestic power. “This is not going to end anytime soon.”
He stressed that although European leaders understand the stakes, the European public has not fully recognized the seriousness of the threat.
Director Roger Casale of the Westminster Alliance for Ukraine reflects on whether Russia’s repeated rejection of US peace proposals is becoming a political Groundhog Day.#Russia #US #Ukraine @rogercasale pic.twitter.com/UQBvu85PbX
— Al Arabiya English (@AlArabiya_Eng) December 3, 2025
Russia Remains the Most Significant Threat to Europe
Commenting on remarks by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Casale confirmed that Russia is the most significant threat to NATO and European security.
He said divisions among allies are not about values but about strategy and long-term planning — gaps that play into Russia’s hands. Europe, he argued, must contribute far more to its own defence.
A “Just Peace” Still Out of Reach
Casale also addressed Finnish President Alexander Stubb’s statement that a “just peace” is unlikely. Such a peace, he said, would require Ukraine to regain all occupied territories — something difficult to achieve without further bloodshed.
A ceasefire is urgently needed to stop the killing, he said, but it will not resolve all underlying issues.
Ukraine Faces a Dangerous Financial Cliff
With around $4 billion committed under the NATO Pearl program, Casale warned that the sum falls well short of Ukraine’s immediate needs. Analysts suggest the country could run out of funds early next year.
He emphasized the need to unlock or leverage the $140–150 billion in frozen Russian assets held in Europe, potentially using them as collateral for urgent loans.
“Ukraine needs the resources now — by hook or by crook,” he said. “This is a critical moment.”