British ex-MP joins Ukrainian army: he explains why he went to fight

Lopresti had already visited Ukraine while serving as a member of parliament.

Former Conservative Party deputy chairman and former Tory MP Jack Lopresti has joined the Ukrainian International Legion . He lost his seat in last year’s general election, after which he decided to travel to Ukraine to help it fight Russia, The Independent reports .

The publication noted that Lopresti had already visited Ukraine while serving as a member of parliament. He actively advocated in parliament for increasing military aid to Kyiv. The former MP also served in the British Army Reserve as a corporal.

Lopresti told reporters that he decided to go to Ukraine as a volunteer in November. He assured that he wanted to join the International Legion from the very beginning.

“I applied to join the legion in November, but it took time to find the best unit to use my experience and skills,” he said.

The publication emphasized that Lopresti does not serve in an infantry unit on the front lines. Instead, the 55-year-old former parliamentarian does support work. His tasks include foreign relations and diplomacy, weapons procurement, and work with veterans and other charities operating in Ukraine.

“I am based in Kyiv, but I travel around Ukraine all the time,” he said, adding that he had visited Kharkov and Poltava in the past week.

Lopresti shared that it was a great honor and privilege for him to serve in the Ukrainian army. He noted that the Ukrainian people are valiant.

“They are not only fighting for their freedom and 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. If Putin wins in Ukraine, we all know he will not stop there. Dictators must be defeated, otherwise they will never stop,” the former MP added.

Lopresti said that if Russia wins, the consequences for the world will be enormous:

“Especially for places like Taiwan. With the authoritarian axis of dictatorships, China, Iran and North Korea, on the march and clearly working together, Ukraine needs to be supported and given the tools to win for all of us.”

According to Lopresti, Ukrainians are still ready to fight against the aggressor. He emphasized that the morale of the Ukrainian military remains high.

The former parliamentarian also added that he is waiting with interest to see what agreement to end the war the administration of US President Donald Trump is preparing.

“I think we are all waiting with interest to see what will happen from the US administration, and in an optimistic way,” he said.

The publication recalled that Lopresti could become an officer in the Ukrainian army, according to a law signed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in 2024. He told reporters that he wants to get an officer’s position, but his rank and documents are currently in the process of being processed.

The publication also drew attention to the fact that, according to a statement from the British Foreign Office, joining the ranks of the Ukrainian International Legion is illegal. However, the department did not specify whether this ban applies to those volunteers who do not participate in combat operations.

(C)UNIAN 2025