Two Ukrainian men have pleaded not guilty to conspiracy charges linked to a series of arson attacks on properties connected to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. Roman Lavrynovych, 21, and Petro Pochynok, 35, appeared at London’s Old Bailey via video-link from Belmarsh prison to face allegations surrounding three fires in north London last May.
Three Fires Target PM Properties in Narrow Window
- On 8 May, a Toyota RAV4 previously owned by Sir Keir was torched in Kentish Town.
- On 11 May, the front door of a converted flat in Islington linked to Starmer was set alight.
- Most seriously, on 12 May, a house in Kentish Town—where Starmer lived before moving to Downing Street—was targeted in an arson attack.
The timing, spanning just before and after Starmer became prime minister, raised alarm bells about the security of senior politicians.
Serious Charges and High-Security Custody
Both Ukrainians denied conspiracy to commit arson with intent to endanger life between 1 April and 13 May. The charge suggests the pair acted “together with others” to set these fires, with prosecutors hinting more suspects may be involved. Romanian co-defendant Stanislav Carpiuc, 27, also faces charges but has not yet entered a plea.
Judge Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb remanded all three in custody to await the next hearing on 28 November. Their trial is set for 27 April 2026 at the Old Bailey. The trio remain held at Belmarsh, a top-security prison known for housing suspects of terrorism and national security threats.
Security and International Concerns Grow
The case has intensified concerns over threats to political figures amid increasing divisions in British politics. Starmer was living at the Kentish Town address when some of the alleged planning or reconnaissance may have occurred.
Police and intelligence services are probing whether the suspects had foreign links or extremist ties, though nothing has yet been confirmed publicly.
The involvement of Ukrainian and Romanian nationals adds an international twist. Ukraine is a key UK ally amid the ongoing war with Russia, raising questions over motive and possible cross-border involvement.
Met Police Investigate High-Stakes Arson Plot
The Metropolitan Police launched a major probe into the fires, deploying specialist units working on threats to prominent individuals and counter-terrorism experts. Arrests came quickly, indicating solid evidence, though that evidence will be scrutinised at trial.
The attacks have raised serious security questions, given protections usually in place for senior politicians.
