19 February 2026
Former British MP Jack Lopresti has joined the 12th Special Forces Brigade Azov of the 1st Corps of the Ukrainian National Guard.
He announced this on his Facebook page.
Lopresti lost his seat in parliament in the general election in July 2024, after which he decided to join the defense of Ukraine.
Jack Lopresti is a 56-year-old British politician from the Conservative Party who represented the Filton and Bradley Stoke constituency in the House of Commons from 2010 to 2024.
He served as deputy chairman of the Conservative Party and was an active member of the Defence Committee. For many years, he consistently advocated for increased military aid to Ukraine and the transfer of modern weapons.
Before service in the Azov Brigade
In November 2024, Lopresti joined the International Legion. Despite his previous status as a high-ranking politician, he has military experience, having previously served in the British Army Reserve in an artillery regiment and participated in combat operations in Afghanistan.
In the British Army, he held the rank of corporal, which corresponds to a junior sergeant in the Ukrainian Army.
My deepest respect goes out to Mr. Loprestin for joining the Ukrainian army, and this, one of its best units and a favorite of mine.
Amen. A man of honor and integrity.