- Category
- Latest news
Former UK Parliament Member Jack Lopresti Joins Ukraine’s Azov Brigade
- Authors
![Photo of Katherina Popilnichenko]( "Photo of Katherina Popilnichenko")
-c439b7bd9030ecf9d5a4287dc361ba31.jpg "Photo of Katherina Popilnichenko")
A former British lawmaker and former deputy chairman of the Conservative Party has announced his decision to join the 12th Special Operations Brigade Azov of the National Guard of Ukraine, as stated on his official X page on February 19.
We bring you stories from the ground. Your support keeps our team in the field.
Jack Lopresti announced the news by noting that the unit has become a symbol of resilience and determination in the face of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. He stated that the war against Ukraine is a fight for the freedom of the country and the security of all of Europe.
“It is an honor for me to begin my service in the 12th Special Operations Brigade Azov—a unit that has become a symbol of resilience and uncompromising spirit,” Lopresti wrote.
Lopresti previously served as an active member of the British Parliament’s defense committee and has been a consistent supporter of providing military aid to Ukraine.
The specific duties Lopresti will perform within the brigade have not been disclosed. Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022, he has visited the country multiple times.
During these visits, he advocated for Ukrainian sovereignty and urged the British government to take more decisive steps in assisting Kyiv.
In an interview with the BBC, Lopresti explained that he initially joined Ukrainian structures in early 2025 because he views the war as a struggle for more than just Ukraine.
I am honoured to begin my service with the 12th Special Forces Brigade “Azov” of the National Guard of Ukraine, a unit that has become a symbol of resilience and uncompromising principle. pic.twitter.com/Vd9M0zgNLq
— Jack Lopresti (@JackLopresti) February 19, 2026
He clarified that he has not served in the infantry. Instead, his role focused on communication with foreign politicians, diplomats, and military officials.
He has used his political background and professional connections to help build relationships between Ukrainian organizations and international partners to increase global support.
Earlier, the Southern District Military Court in Rostov-on-Don sentenced three captured Azov Brigade servicemen—Mykhailo Nasonov, Vladyslav Kormilin, and Serhii Kopylov—to 20 years in prison on “terrorism” charges.
The men, captured in May 2022, were convicted of participating in a terrorist community, a charge frequently used by Russia against the unit. This ruling followed several other high-profile convictions of Azov and Aidar prisoners of war in late 2025.
-7f54d6f9a1e9b10de9b3e7ee663a18d9.png)
