Russian-linked arson attacks that targeted property connected to Prime Minister Keir Starmer have sparked alarm about a concerted effort to exploit division and undermine the UK's democracy. At the G7 summit in Évian-les-Bains, France, Mr Starmer warned of 'bad actors' seeking to destabilise British democratic foundations.
The conviction on Monday of Roman Lavrynovych, 22, from Ukraine, and Stanislav Carpiuc, 27, from Romania, for conspiring to carry out arson attacks highlights the severity of this threat. The trial revealed that the pair appeared to operate under the instruction of an online handler with alleged links to Russia.
The attack on Mr Starmer's property had 'clearly impacted and affected my family', he confirmed. The two men are due to be sentenced on Friday, while a third defendant, Petro Pochynok, 35, was acquitted. Lavrynovych was also found guilty of damaging two properties by fire, being reckless as to whether life was endangered, on 11 and 12 May last year.
The prosecution's case centred around a Russian-speaking Telegram contact, operating under the pseudonym 'El Money', who allegedly ordered the attacks. Investigations have linked this individual to Russia and a pro-Kremlin hacktivist group, fuelling concerns about foreign interference in UK politics.
Mr Starmer also drew attention to a 'conspiracy theory' surrounding the attack, which he suggested could have been created by far-right figures in the UK and amplified by hostile Russian agents. This conspiracy theory has added to division within the country.
The Prime Minister's remarks come amid heightened tensions between the UK and Russia. Recent incidents include the interception of a Russian 'shadow fleet' vessel carrying 98,000 tonnes of oil, and a Russian warship firing warning shots at a British-flagged yacht earlier this week.
Mr Starmer described these actions as 'deeply concerning and reckless', stating that the UK is facing 'proxy attacks' from Russia on a daily basis. He urged politicians to avoid 'tearing our country apart' and instead work together to counter external forces seeking to destabilise British democracy.