PRESS RELEASE
A powerful lineup of European decision-makers, diplomats, journalists, and civil society leaders will gather on Tuesday, 13 May 2025, for the launch of the Westminster Alliance for Ukraine — a strategic initiative dedicated to supporting Ukrainian sovereignty and reinforcing democratic unity in the face of Russian aggression. The event will take place at the House of Commons in London and online, beginning at 3:00 PM Central European Time (2:00 PM London time).
Organized under the umbrella of the Defending Democracy Global Initiative, the Westminster Alliance for Ukraine seeks to foster transnational cooperation, amplify solidarity with Ukraine, and develop concrete democratic responses to authoritarian threats across Europe.
Among the key participants are prominent European figures from politics, civil society, and media. Roger Casale, former UK Member of Parliament and founder of New Europeans, will lead the session as coordinator of the initiative. He will be joined by Alex Sobel, MP and UK Trade Envoy to Ukraine, who also chairs the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Ukraine. Lord James Arbuthnot, former Chair of the UK Defence Select Committee and Senior Associate Fellow at RUSI, brings a vital perspective on European defense strategy. From France, Jean-Yves Leconte, former Senator representing French citizens abroad, contributes deep experience in diaspora diplomacy and European cooperation. Civil society and media will be represented by Dr. Wolfgang Ressmann, Chair of Youth4Media and Media Dialogue, and Mika Beuster, President of the German Journalists’ Association, who will address media freedoms and the role of journalism in wartime. Italy will also be represented by experts from the Centro Studi Internazionali, including Francesco Gaudiosi, Vice President and Executive Director, contributing expertise in international law and global governance. Xhabir Deralla, President of CIVIL – Center for Freedom and co-founder of the Defending Democracy Global Initiative, will support the event as co-moderator and facilitator.
Ukrainian voices will also be strongly represented, including a member of the Ukrainian Parliament and leading journalists who are working under extraordinary circumstances to defend truth and democratic values. These distinguished speakers will be joined by others committed to a united European response to authoritarian threats.
The format allows for concise interventions of up to three minutes per participant, with in-depth interviews and podcast sessions to follow in the coming weeks. The initiative marks the beginning of a sustained effort to counteract disinformation, strengthen democratic institutions, and ensure enduring support for Ukraine.
“This is not just another event — it’s a strategic rallying point for Europe’s democratic actors. We’re sending a clear message: Ukraine is not alone, and our democratic values are not negotiable,” said Roger Casale.
