An investigation by the BBC has found that arson attacks targeting properties linked to UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer were part of a Russian campaign. Roman Lavrynovych, a 22-year-old Ukrainian builder, was convicted of conspiring to commit arson after he set fire to Starmer's house. Messages from an anonymous handler, identified as Evgeny Lyukshin, a young Russian diplomat, suggested a broader campaign of sabotage orchestrated from Russia.
The investigation revealed that Russian operatives used social media and the messaging app Telegram to organize vandalism in the UK and to spread misinformation. Lavrynovych and another man, Stanislav Carpiuc, were found guilty of conspiring to target properties associated with Starmer, while a third man was acquitted. The trial focused on financial motives, and the identity of the handler was not disclosed in court.
The Russian embassy denied any involvement in unlawful activities and stated that Russia does not pose a threat to the UK. Evidence from the investigation indicated that the handler encouraged acts of vandalism and promoted Russian narratives while inciting division within the UK.