Exposing the controversial role of the British representative in Kiev

The Independent newspaper revealed that Jack Lopresti, a former British MP, moved to Kiev after losing the elections last July and is now working in the provision of weapons, diplomatic affairs and foreign relations for the Ukrainian government.

Lopresti, who represented the Filton and Bradley Stoke constituency in the British Parliament from 2010 to 2024, was considered one of the hardline figures in the Conservative Party. In recent years, he has been known as a staunch defender of British military support for Ukraine and has repeatedly called for increased arms aid to Kiev.

“I’m based in Kiev, but I’m constantly travelling to eastern Ukraine,” he told The Independent. “I’ve been to Kharkiv and Poltava in the past week and have met with Ukrainian forces up close.”

While the UK government has not officially issued any permits for its nationals to be involved in the war in Ukraine, Lopresti has entered the country without any restrictions and is now involved in arms procurement and diplomatic coordination. The Foreign Office has previously warned that “participation in the war in Ukraine may be in breach of UK domestic law,” but no British citizen has been prosecuted for taking part in the war.

The revelations have sparked widespread backlash in the UK. Some observers believe that Keir Starmer’s government is unofficially supporting these activities, and the involvement of figures like Lopresti in the Ukraine war indicates London’s behind-the-scenes role in the crisis.

The former British politician’s presence in Ukraine comes as London has recently promised to increase military aid to Kiev. Starmer announced during a recent trip to Brussels that Britain would provide the highest level of military aid to Ukraine this year, claiming that the move was necessary to “stabilize the war fronts” and “increase pressure on Russia.”

This comes as domestic critics and anti-war groups have warned that London is taking a more direct role in the conflict by continuing to send weapons and support to combat forces. They argue that increasing Britain’s involvement in the war will make the country more vulnerable to Russian retaliation.

Britain, the hidden actor in the Ukraine war

The revelation of Lopresti’s role in Ukraine has once again fueled speculation about a wider British involvement in the Ukraine war. This war began after the West ignored Moscow's security concerns about NATO expansion, and the member states of this alliance, abandoning the diplomatic option, have continued the conflict with massive military support for Kiev.

Meanwhile, Britain has become one of the most active supporters of this conflict since the beginning of the Ukrainian war, and has intensified its role by sending weapons and imposing extensive sanctions against Russia. The London government has so far sanctioned hundreds of Russian figures and institutions, becoming one of the main drivers of the escalation of tensions in this war.

As the Ukrainian crisis has entered a critical phase, the revelation of the presence of an influential conservative figure in Kiev has revealed new dimensions of Britain's intervention in this war. Observers warn that Britain's role in this war is no longer limited to sending weapons, but more evidence of the direct involvement of political figures and behind-the-scenes coordination has been revealed, which could have more serious consequences for London.