Russia denies role in arson attacks linked to UK PM Keir Starmer

His comments followed a Financial Times report, based on unnamed UK government sources, that security services were looking into Russian involvement in three arson attacks that took place between 8 and 12 May in north London. The Associated Press has not independently verified the report.

No one was hurt in the incidents, which included a fire at a car Starmer once owned, damage to the doorway of his home, and a fire at the entrance to a flat where he had previously lived. Starmer and his family now live at the official Downing Street residence, having moved after his election last July.

Three men with links to Ukraine have been charged in connection with the fires. Roman Lavrynovych, 21, faces three counts of arson with intent to endanger life. Petro Pochynok, 34, and Stanislav Carpiuc, 26, have been charged with conspiracy to commit arson. All three are being held without bail ahead of a court appearance on 6 June.

While prosecutors have not publicly named any foreign government as being behind the attacks, Western officials have previously accused Russia of using sabotage and other actions to create instability in Europe since it invaded Ukraine in 2022.

In March, the Associated Press reported on nearly 60 incidents across Europe that governments and officials had linked to Russia or its ally Belarus. These included cyberattacks, espionage, and acts of vandalism or sabotage.

The UK’s Crown Prosecution Service said its Counter Terrorism Division authorised the charges in the Starmer case because they involved potential state threats. The Metropolitan Police, Starmer’s office, and the Foreign Office have not commented on the report or Peskov’s response.