**Russian Involvement Suspected in Arson Attacks on UK Prime Minister’s Properties**
A 21-year-old Ukrainian citizen, Roman Lavrynovych, has been charged with setting fire to properties linked to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The arson attacks, which took place in the first half of May, targeted two former residences and a car previously owned by Starmer.
According to reports from RFE/RL’s Schemes investigative project, it appears that Lavrynovych may have been recruited by Russia via the Telegram messaging app. An analysis of his social media activity revealed that he had actively searched for work through various Telegram channels aimed at foreigners in London between 2022 and 2025.
Lavrynovych allegedly set a car linked to Starmer on fire on May 8, followed by two former residences on May 11 and 12. The police said the property suffered damage, but no one was injured. His online activity suggests that he may have been looking for work as recently as May 2, just days before the attacks.
This development has raised concerns about possible Russian involvement in the attacks. British security officials are currently investigating the possibility of Russian sabotage, which has become a tactic used by Moscow to destabilize European nations that support Ukraine during the ongoing war.
**Russian Recruitment Efforts**
Ukraine’s military intelligence agency (HUR) has warned that Russian intelligence services are actively attempting to recruit Ukrainian nationals for illegal operations across the European Union. This has led some experts to speculate that Lavrynovych may have been recruited by Russia, using Telegram as a means of communication.
The recruitment efforts of Russian intelligence services have been seen as a significant threat to national security in Europe. With Ukraine at the forefront of this battle, Western officials have repeatedly accused Moscow of using covert tactics to undermine support for Ukraine’s cause.
**Investigation Ongoing**
Two other individuals, Petro Pochynok and Stanislav Carpiuc, have also been charged with conspiracy to commit arson with intent to endanger life. Their cases are expected to be heard in Westminster magistrates’ court soon.
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