Britain Investigates Possible Russian Involvement in Arson Attacks Linked to PM Starmer

LONDON– An intensified investigation by London police and British intelligence services is underway following a series of arson attacks in May 2025 targeting properties associated with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The authorities are exploring potential links to Russian involvement amid rising geopolitical tensions and alleged efforts to destabilize the UK.

The arson incidents took place between May 8 and May 12 in north London, with the first occurring in Kentish Town, where a Toyota RAV4, previously owned by Starmer and sold to a neighbor last year, was set ablaze. On May 11, a fire was reported at a house in Islington that Starmer resided in during the 1990s. The following day, a fire caused damage to the front door of the Starmer family home on Countess Road in Kentish Town, where he lived for nearly two decades before becoming Prime Minister in July 2024. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported, and damage was confined to property.

Scotland Yard confirmed the arrest of three suspects in connection with the investigation: 34-year-old Petro Pochynok and 21-year-old Roman Lavrynovych, both Ukrainian nationals, and 26-year-old Stanislav Karpyuk, a Romanian national of Ukrainian descent. Lavrynovych faces three counts of arson with intent to endanger life, while Pochynok and Karpyuk have been charged with conspiracy to commit arson. All three suspects are currently in custody and are scheduled to appear before the Old Bailey for trial on June 6.

The investigation, spearheaded by the Metropolitan Police’s Counter Terrorism Command, has stirred significant controversy. Intelligence sources cited by FT indicate that the arson attacks may be connected to actions by a “hostile state.” Although no definitive evidence implicating Russia has emerged, suspicions have been amplified by previous incidents, including an April 2024 arson attack on a building linked to Ukraine, which British authorities also suspect was orchestrated by Moscow.