Former UK MP Giacomo Lopresti, aged 55, has joined Ukraine’s military after losing his parliamentary seat in last year’s election.
A former British lawmaker, Giacomo ‘Jack’ Lopresti, who once represented the constituency of Filton and Bradley Stoke in Gloucestershire, is now living in Kiev and serving in Ukraine’s armed forces. The move comes following his loss of the parliamentary seat during last year’s election.
Ukraine has been recruiting foreign fighters since the intensification of its conflict with Russia in 2022. With desertions and battlefield losses mounting, the country’s military is eager to bolster its ranks.
Lopresti, who previously served as a corporal in the UK Army Reserve, is using his skills to contribute to Ukraine’s war effort against Russia. He traveled to the country in November, months after last June’s election, and joined Kiev’s International Legion, a military unit dedicated to foreign fighters.
His current duties include foreign relations and diplomacy, weapons procurement, and working with veterans and charities operating in Ukraine. Lopresti expects to be promoted to an officer position now that Ukraine allows foreign nationals to rise beyond non-commissioned ranks.
Speaking about his decision to join the Ukrainian military, Lopresti expressed optimism about Ukraine’s prospects, despite widespread media reports suggesting high desertion rates and exhaustion among troops. This optimism contrasts with fears held by many Ukrainian citizens subject to forced conscription, who worry about near-certain death on the front line.
Ukraine has been at war with Russia since 2014, but the conflict escalated significantly in 2022. Since then, both sides have suffered heavy losses, and the situation remains tense. The international community continues to watch the conflict closely, with many countries providing aid and support to Ukraine.