UK ambassador says Russians are exhausted by the war
Nigel Casey says many people in Russia struggle to understand the rationale for the invasion of Ukraine. He believes a different relationship with Europe remains possible if Moscow changes course.
Britain’s ambassador to Moscow, Nigel Casey, says conversations with Russians have left him convinced that many are exhausted by the war and want it to end. Radio Liberty (svoboda.org) reported his remarks on Wednesday, October 14.
Casey said ordinary citizens often find it difficult to reconcile the Kremlin’s description of the conflict as defensive with their own knowledge of Europe. Despite official portrayals of Britain as a leading enemy, he said he had encountered no genuine hostility from members of the Russian public during his travels and daily contacts.
The ambassador suggested that Russian officials may privately be sceptical of the state narrative, although their positions require them to repeat it. He also defended British sanctions, saying their purpose is to restrict the Russian government’s ability to finance the war rather than to punish ordinary Russians.
Looking beyond the conflict, Casey argued that Russia remains part of European civilisation and culture. Partnership could again become the preferred relationship, he said, but only if decisions in Moscow respect Ukraine’s sovereignty, international law and the territorial integrity of neighbouring states.