The Kremlin has dismissed as “ridiculous” and “unsubstantiated” suggestions that Russia may have played a role in a series of arson attacks targeting property linked to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov on Monday firmly denied any Russian involvement in the incidents, in which three men – two Ukrainians and a Romanian – have been charged with conspiracy to commit arson with intent to endanger life. The alleged attacks include blazes at Sir Keir’s former home in north London and a vehicle he previously owned.
“You know, London is inclined to suspect Russia of involvement in all the bad things that happen in Britain,” Mr Peskov said during a press briefing in Moscow. “As a rule, all these suspicions are false, unsubstantiated and often ridiculous.”
The denial follows reports in The Financial Times and The Mail on Sunday that British security officials are probing whether the Kremlin may have orchestrated or inspired the attacks as part of a campaign of intimidation or disruption.
The Prime Minister has not personally commented on the incidents, which took place in May, shortly before and after his move into Downing Street. The Metropolitan Police and security services remain tight-lipped on any potential state link, and no mention of Russian involvement has been made in official police communications.
Among those charged is Roman Lavrynovych, 21, a Ukrainian national residing in Sydenham, south London, who reportedly described himself as an aspiring model. He faces three counts of arson with intent to endanger life.
Another suspect, 26-year-old Stanislav Carpiuc, a Romanian citizen born in Ukraine, was arrested by counterterrorism officers at Luton Airport. He too claims to be a model, and has been charged with involvement in the conspiracy.
The third accused is 34-year-old Petro Pochynok of Holloway Road, Islington, who identifies as a fashion entrepreneur. He is charged with conspiring alongside the two other defendants and “others unknown” to commit arson.
The attacks are alleged to have occurred on three separate occasions: on May 8, when a Toyota Rav4 formerly owned by Sir Keir Starmer was set alight in Kentish Town; on May 11, when a fire was started at the door of a house in Islington; and on May 12, when flames engulfed the entrance of Starmer’s former home, just days before he officially entered Downing Street.
None of the suspects have been charged under the UK’s National Security Act, designed to target hostile foreign activity, nor under terrorism legislation. Prosecutors have so far refrained from offering a motive, with Sarah Przybylska, representing the Crown, telling an earlier hearing: “At this stage, the alleged offending is unexplained.”
All three men deny the charges and are currently in custody, awaiting a further appearance at the Old Bailey on 6 June.
The Metropolitan Police declined to comment on the press reports suggesting possible Kremlin involvement, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation. The Home Office also did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
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While the suggestion of a Russian link remains speculative, the case has stirred unease among MPs, with several privately expressing concern over the implications if state actors are found to be encouraging attacks on British politicians.
A Whitehall source said that, while there is currently “no concrete evidence of Russian orchestration,” authorities remain alert to the possibility of foreign interference amid ongoing geopolitical tensions and cyber threats.
Meanwhile, Downing Street is understood to be receiving regular updates on the case, though officials have sought to play down speculation of a politically-motivated foreign campaign.
The developments come at a time of heightened sensitivity around national security, with the UK government reinforcing efforts to counter hostile state activity, including cyber-attacks, disinformation, and espionage.
