Former Conservative MP who fights for Ukraine announces switch to Azov Brigade

Jack Lopresti,  a former Conservative MP who left the UK to fight with the Ukrainian military, has announced his transfer to the controversial Azov Brigade.

After losing his seat in the 2024 General Election, Mr Lopresti decided to head to the country on a permanent basis – having visited Ukraine a number of times in his role as a politician.

He had been serving in an intelligence unit, but has now announced on X his switch to his new formation – which is officially known as the 12th Special Forces Brigade "Azov".

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Greatest honour

"I am honoured to begin my service with the 12th Special Forces Brigade 'Azov' of the National Guard of Ukraine, a unit that has become a symbol of resilience and uncompromising principle," he posted.

"Over the past year, I served with the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine. To have served in what I consider two of Ukraine's finest military formations is one of the greatest honours of my life.

"Azov was formed in 2014 in response to Russia's aggression. It began with volunteers, many without prior military experience, driven by conviction rather than obligation.

"Over time, it evolved into a benchmark for modern warfare, defined by innovation, frontline medical care, relentless training and a clear focus on the motivated, well-prepared soldier as the decisive factor.

"In 2022, the defence of Mariupol showed the world exactly what Azov stands for: resistance under impossible conditions."

Mission above self

Mr Lopresti explained: "Azov is built on principle, discipline and brotherhood. To be an Azov fighter is to hold yourself to the highest standard, to put the mission above self.

"At its core lies a simple truth: no glory without a fight.

"Today, the Ukrainian military is not only defending its own sovereignty, it is also the frontline guarantee of Europe's security.

"What happens here will shape the future of the free world. Ukraine continues to resist.

"Ukraine stands firm. Together, we will prevail. Slava Ukraini [glory to Ukraine]!"

Unit dogged by far right allegations

The Azov Brigade is part of the National Guard of Ukraine and was formerly based in Mariupol, the unit taking its name from the Sea of Azov.

The Azov Brigade has been criticised for its apparent Nazi connections. Its emblem features a symbol called the wolfsangel, a heraldic device dating back to medieval Germany and France.

However, the symbol was brought to prominence by the Third Reich and was adopted by various German army and Waffen-SS divisions during the Second World War, as well as post-war neo-Nazi hate groups like the Aryan Nations.

Not everyone reading Mr Lopresti's posts on X was happy to see him serve with this unit.

One person wrote: "That's the group with a fascist history, isn't it? Nice. Remember what happened to the fascists on the Eastern Front 80 years ago?"