Former British MP Joins Ukraine’s Foreign Legion

Jack Lopresti, 55, a former deputy chairman of the Conservative Party, has volunteered to serve in the Ukrainian army and gave his first interview to The Independent.

‘It is a great honour and a huge privilege to serve in the Ukrainian army and to be able to help the brave and amazing Ukrainian people in any way I can,’ Lopresti said. 

Previously, Jack Lopresti was the MP for Filton and Bradley Stoke in Gloucestershire. He now lives in Kyiv and uses his skills in the ongoing war.

Previously, as an MP, Lopresti visited Ukraine and was a strong advocate in Parliament for more aid to Ukraine to support efforts to defeat Russia. He also served in the UK Army Reserve as a corporal.

‘I applied to join the Legion in November. It took a while to find the best unit to use my experience and skills,’ said Lopresti.

The 55-year-old is not in an infantry unit on the front line, but rather performs support work. His military duties and specialisations include foreign relations and diplomacy, arms procurement, and some work with veterans and charities working in Ukraine.

As US President Donald Trump plans to try to end the war quickly by striking a deal, Lopresti said Ukrainians are waiting to see what the outcome will be.

 ‘I think we are all waiting with interest to see what the US administration will do in an optimistic way,’ Jack Lopresti said.

The law has recently changed to allow non-Ukrainians to become officers in the country's army, meaning Mr Lopresti could be one of the first, although he says his paperwork is currently being processed.