Ukrainian Nationals Plead Not Guilty to Arson Plot Targeting Properties Linked to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer

Defendants Enter Not Guilty Pleas at Old Bailey

Two Ukrainian nationals, Roman Lavrynovych, 21, and Petro Pochynok, 35, have pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiring to commit arson with intent to endanger life. The allegations stem from a series of fires that occurred earlier this year at properties and a vehicle associated with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The pleas were entered during a hearing at the Old Bailey in London on Friday.

A third defendant, Stanislav Carpiuc, 27, a Ukrainian-born Romanian national, also appeared in court but did not enter a plea. Reports indicate that Carpiuc had dismissed his legal representation earlier in the week.

Details of the Alleged Arson Plot

The prosecution alleges that the three men conspired to damage property by fire between April 1 and May 13. The incidents in question, which occurred in north London, specifically Kentish Town and Islington, include:

• A Toyota RAV4, previously owned by Sir Keir Starmer and sold to a neighbour, was set ablaze on May 8.
• A fire was discovered at the front door of a house converted into flats in Islington, also linked to the Prime Minister, on May 11.
• The entrance to Sir Keir Starmer's former four-bedroom home in Kentish Town, which he was renting out, was charred after being set alight on May 12.

No injuries were reported as a result of these fires. Sir Keir Starmer, who had moved out of his Kentish Town home after becoming Prime Minister and relocating to Downing Street, described the fires as 'an attack on all of us, on democracy and the values that we stand for.'

Court Proceedings and Future Dates

The defendants appeared via videolink from HMP Belmarsh before Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb. Justice Cheema-Grubb noted that the circumstances of the alleged offences were 'somewhat opaque' but 'plainly they are co-ordinated and must have some motive or purpose behind them.' The prosecution has stated that the case is not being treated as having a terrorist connection.

All three defendants have been remanded in custody. A further hearing in the case is scheduled for November 28, with a provisional trial date set for April 27 next year (2026) before a High Court judge.