Former Conservative deputy chair Jack Lopresti is now based in Kyiv helping with weapons procurement.
LONDON — A British former Conservative MP has joined the Ukrainian International Legion in the fight against Vladimir Putin’s Russia.
Jack Lopresti, who represented Filton and Bradley Stoke in south west England until last year, told the Independent he had signed up to assist Ukraine’s military unit made up of foreign volunteers.
It comes despite official British guidance warning that those traveling to the country to fight could risk criminal offenses under U.K. law — and put themselves in serious danger.
Lopresti previously served as a deputy chairman of the Conservative party — which has been staunchly pro-Ukraine — and was the parliamentary chairman of Conservative Friends of Ukraine.
He told the Independent he is now based in Kyiv, and hoping to draw on past military experience as a corporal in the British Army Reserve.
“I did apply to join the legion in November,” Lopresti said. “It took a while to find the best unit to utilize my experience and skills.”
Lopresti said his current responsibilities are not frontline, but that he is focused on support work including weapons procurement alongside engagement with veterans and charities.
“It is a huge honor and an immense privilege for me to serve in the Ukrainian military and be able to help the gallant and amazing Ukrainian people in any way I can,” Lopresti added.
It comes as British politicians try to show they’re hugging Ukraine close amid moves by the Trump administration to try to end the long-running conflict. Prime Minister Keir Starmer visited Kyiv last month to sign a “100-year partnership” treaty with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and insisted the U.K. will continue supporting the country.
