UK probes possible Russian link to arson attacks targeting PM Starmer

British security officials are investigating whether Russia was involved in three arson attacks on properties linked to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, senior Whitehall sources have confirmed to the Financial Times.

The incidents occurred earlier this month and targeted Starmer’s family home in Kentish Town, north London, a vehicle, and a residential property he previously owned.

Three men — Ukrainians Roman Lavrynovych and Petro Pochynok, and Romanian national Stanislav Carpiuc — have been charged with conspiracy to commit arson with intent to endanger life. Authorities believe they conspired with “others unknown,” prompting suspicions that foreign actors may have recruited them. Senior UK officials say possible Russian involvement is under active investigation, and discussions are ongoing about how the government would respond if a link to Moscow is confirmed.

Prosecutor Sarah Przybylska told the court that the alleged conspiracy remains “unexplained,” and the investigation, led by counterterrorism police, is keeping all motives under consideration. While the suspects face criminal charges rather than national security ones, the inquiry is being handled by the Metropolitan Police’s counterterrorism command. A government source cautioned that all possibilities remain open.

Starmer condemned the attacks as “an attack on all of us, on democracy, and the values that we stand for.” His family home, which he has rented out since becoming prime minister last July, was one of the primary targets.

The potential Russian link comes amid an 18-month escalation in suspected acts of sabotage and hybrid warfare across Europe by Russian intelligence services. Western intelligence agencies have recently uncovered plots attributed to Moscow’s operatives, including plans to bomb aircraft, burn public buildings, damage infrastructure, and target political figures who support Ukraine.

Last October, Richard Moore, head of MI6, warned that Russian intelligence services had “gone a bit feral.” Estonia’s security agency revealed that in February, Russian agents hired intermediaries to vandalize the car of the country’s interior minister. A European intelligence official said Russia’s aim is to create disruption and stretch the capacity of security services, rather than always cause direct harm.

In the case of the London arson attacks, none of the suspects has shown overt ideological support for Russia. In fact, one had shared celebratory images of Ukrainian soldiers on social media. Nonetheless, the acts are seen as particularly reckless. A government official noted that, if Russian actors were involved, it would suggest a willingness to risk uncontrolled escalation.

The three accused remain in custody and are scheduled to appear in court again on June 6. Neither Downing Street nor the Russian government has commented on the matter.

By Tamilla Hasanova