Ukrainian suspect linked to Starmer arson possibly recruited by Russian agents
Russian spies may have recruited Ukrainian for Starmer arson via Telegram (Getty Images)
Roman Lavrynovych, who is suspected of setting fire to property belonging to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, may have been recruited by Russian intelligence through Telegram, according to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.
Journalists found that between 2022 and 2025, Lavrynovych actively searched for work in Telegram groups for foreigners in London — primarily in the construction and hospitality sectors.
His last message seeking work in one of these groups was posted on May 3 — five days before a car linked to Starmer was set on fire in London. Lavrynovych last accessed Telegram on the night of May 13, just hours before he was arrested by police following the arson of a building also associated with Starmer.
Lavrynovych mainly showed interest in general labor jobs in construction and the hospitality industry, stating that he held an SCSC certificate — a qualification confirming safety and competency for construction work in the UK.
On May 2, in the London UA group, he posted: "Looking for a job, open to any options." Two hours later, a user named Yurii replied: "Message me privately." Journalists noted that Yurii had joined the London UA group just a few days before this exchange.
Investigative analysts at the intelligence firm Molfar also concluded that Lavrynovych's digital trail raises reasonable suspicion of possible recruitment attempts by Russian agents.
Arson attacks on Starmer's property in London
In early May, a series of arson attacks targeted property linked to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in London, with two Ukrainian nationals reportedly involved.
Fires were reported at the Prime Minister's family home in Tufnell Park, a car on the same street, and a house in Islington that Starmer had owned in the 1990s.
No one was injured in the Tufnell Park fire, but the entrance to the residence was damaged. Starmer and his family had lived at the address before moving to the official residence on Downing Street.
Police later detained four suspects in connection with the arson attacks. Three of them remain in custody pending a court hearing at the Old Bailey scheduled for Friday, June 6. British intelligence agencies have not ruled out Russian involvement in the series of arsons targeting Starmer's property.
