A former British Conservative MP has joined the Ukrainian International Legion, taking on a support role in Kyiv to assist in Ukraine’s fight against Russia.
Jack Lopresti, former deputy chair of the Conservative Party and a corporal in the U.K. Army Reserve, had been a strong advocate in parliament for increased aid to Ukraine before losing his seat in the July 2024 general election.
Now he has decided to join the Ukrainian war effort in person.
He told the U.K.’s Independent newspaper: “I did apply to join the legion in November. It took a while to find the best unit to utilize my experience and skills.”
According to The Independent, Lopresti is not serving on the front lines but is engaged in foreign relations, weapons procurement and veteran support.
“I’m based in Kyiv, but I constantly travel across Ukraine,” he said, adding that he had recently visited Kharkiv and Poltava in the east.
“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,” he said.
“They are not only fighting for their freedom and their right to exist as an independent and sovereign nation; they are also fighting for all of us, in Europe and the rest of the free world.”
Now he has decided to join the Ukrainian war effort in person.
He told the U.K.’s Independent newspaper: “I did apply to join the legion in November. It took a while to find the best unit to utilize my experience and skills.”
According to The Independent, Lopresti is not serving on the front lines but is engaged in foreign relations, weapons procurement and veteran support.
“I’m based in Kyiv, but I constantly travel across Ukraine,” he said, adding that he had recently visited Kharkiv and Poltava in the east.
“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,” he said.
“They are not only fighting for their freedom and their right to exist as an independent and sovereign nation; they are also fighting for all of us, in Europe and the rest of the free world.”
Lopresti warned that a Russian victory in Ukraine would have global consequences. “If Putin wins in Ukraine, we all know he won’t stop there,” he said. “Dictators have to be defeated, or they never stop.”
The former MP also commented on morale among Ukrainian troops, nearly three years after Russia’s invasion on February 24, 2022. “They are very determined indeed. Morale is high. A very resolute feeling,” he said.
The U.K. Foreign Office has warned that joining the Ukrainian International Legion is illegal, though it is unclear whether this applies to non-combat roles. Despite this, British volunteers have continued to travel to Ukraine, with some being captured or killed in the conflict.
Lopresti could soon become one of the first non-Ukrainians to be commissioned as an officer following a recent legal change, though he said his rank is still being processed.
As discussions about continued U.S. support for Ukraine carry on, he said Ukrainians are closely watching political developments.
“I think we are all waiting with interest [to see] what comes from the U.S. administration, in an optimistic way,” he said.
The former MP also commented on morale among Ukrainian troops, nearly three years after Russia’s invasion on February 24, 2022. “They are very determined indeed. Morale is high. A very resolute feeling,” he said.
The U.K. Foreign Office has warned that joining the Ukrainian International Legion is illegal, though it is unclear whether this applies to non-combat roles. Despite this, British volunteers have continued to travel to Ukraine, with some being captured or killed in the conflict.
Lopresti could soon become one of the first non-Ukrainians to be commissioned as an officer following a recent legal change, though he said his rank is still being processed.
As discussions about continued U.S. support for Ukraine carry on, he said Ukrainians are closely watching political developments.
“I think we are all waiting with interest [to see] what comes from the U.S. administration, in an optimistic way,” he said.
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