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Russian Recruitment Suspected Behind Arson Attacks on Keir Starmer-Linked Properties

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Maryna_kulakova
Maryna Kulakova
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Russian Recruitment Suspected Behind Arson Attacks on Keir Starmer-Linked Properties
A view of the entrance to Sir Keir Starmer's house in Kentish Town, north London after a suspected arson attack. (Source: Getty Images)

Ukrainian citizen Roman Lavrynovych, suspected of setting fire to properties linked to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, may have been recruited by Russia through the Telegram messaging app, according to RFE/RL’s Schemes investigative project on June 3.

In early May, two properties and a car connected to Starmer were targeted in arson attacks. Lavrynovych, 21, who works as a model and roofer, was charged on May 15. He allegedly set fire to a car previously sold by Starmer to a neighbor on May 8 and started fires at Starmer’s two former residences on May 11 and 12. Police reported property damage but no injuries.

An analysis of Lavrynovych’s social media revealed that between 2022 and 2025, he actively sought work via Telegram channels for foreigners in London. His latest job request appeared in the London UA group on May 2—days before the car linked to Starmer was set ablaze.

“Looking for a job, I will consider any options,” he wrote. Shortly after, a user named Yurii, who had joined the group just days earlier, asked him to message privately.

Two other suspects face charges related to the arson attempts: Petro Pochynok, a Ukrainian charged with conspiracy to commit arson with intent to endanger life, set to appear at Westminster magistrates’ court on May 21, and Stanislav Carpiuc, a Russian-speaking Romanian born in Ukraine, charged with the same offense.

British security services are investigating potential Russian involvement in the attacks, the Financial Times reported on May 23. Western officials have long accused Moscow of using sabotage, cyberattacks, and disinformation to destabilize European countries backing Ukraine amid the ongoing war.

Ukraine’s military intelligence warned on June 2 that Russian intelligence agencies are actively trying to recruit Ukrainian nationals for illegal operations across the European Union.

Previously, it was reported that the UK government will invest £2 billion (approximately $2.7 billion) in drone technology, drawing on Ukraine’s experience in drone warfare, according to The Guardian on June 3, citing the recently released Strategic Defense Review.

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