Former Tory MP now serving in Ukrainian military unit after visit 18 months ago
A former British Conservative MP is now serving in Ukraine's military having visited the country as a member of Government only 18 months ago.
Jack Lopresti, former MP for Filton and Bradley Stoke, is serving with the Legion of Ukraine Defence Intelligence having volunteered to serve in the Ukrainian military.
The former British Army reservist's service in Ukraine was confirmed by a post on X, which said only last week the former Tory MP joined a cross-party UK Parliamentary delegation which travelled across Ukraine.
The trip, the post read, "included stops at veterans' rehabilitation centres, Kyiv's main children's hospital and Kremenchuk with the fantastic UK charity Hopefull".
Additionally, the visit saw meetings held with Ukrainian military commanders in Kharkiv.
Mr Lopresti said it was "a huge honour and an immense privilege" to serve in the Ukrainian military and "help the gallant and amazing Ukrainian people in any way I can".
"They are not only fighting for their freedom and their right to exist as an independent and sovereign nation but they are also fighting for all of us in Europe and the rest of the free world," he said.
"If Putin wins in Ukraine we all know he won't stop there.
"Dictators have to be defeated or they never stop.
"The ramifications would also be enormous for the rest of the world, particularly in places like Taiwan. With the authoritarian axis of dictatorships – China, Iran and North Korea – on the march and clearly working together Ukraine must be supported and given the tools to win for all our sakes."
The former deputy chairman of the Conservative Party also focuses on foreign relations and diplomacy alongside his military duties.
He also works on "weapons procurement, supporting veterans and other charities operating in Ukraine", the post read.
Mr Lopresti has prior military service with the Territorial Army – now called the Army Reserve.
He served as a trooper with the Royal Gloucestershire Hussars, as part of the Royal Wessex Yeomanry, and before that, he was a gunner with 266 Commando Battery in Bristol.
During Operation Herrick IX, which ran from November 2008 to April 2009, he was attached to 29th Commando Regiment Royal Artillery.
Join Our Newsletter
