Ukrainian man denies role in Starmer arson plot, court hears

A Ukrainian man stands trial at the Old Bailey accused of conspiring to set fire to a vehicle connected to Sir Keir Starmer. Petro Pochynok, aged 35, testified that his presence at the scene was only because he was asked to assist with carrying some “luggage.” Alongside him, Roman Lavrynovych, 22, also from Ukraine, and Stanislav Carpiuc, 27, a Romanian national born in Ukraine, face the charges.

All three men deny allegations that they targeted two properties and a car linked to the prime minister in May 2025. Pochynok stated during his testimony that Sir Keir is a “friend” to Ukraine and insisted he was not part of any plan against him. On 8 May 2025, he is accused of being present when a Toyota, previously owned by Sir Keir Starmer, was deliberately set on fire.

Speaking through a translator, Pochynok explained that he got involved after his longstanding friend Carpiuc called, asking for help with an associate named Lavrynovych, who needed support carrying “heavy suitcases.” He mentioned that he had only met Lavrynovych once before and agreed to assist as a favor to Carpiuc. On the morning of the incident, Pochynok woke early and went to Kentish Town, north London, to meet Lavrynovych. Upon meeting him, he realized there were no suitcases, only a rucksack. Pochynok described Lavrynovych as looking “very irritated” and frequently talking about an employer who had not paid him for two months. He said, “I realised at the time I was deceived.”

Pochynok said that Lavrynovych told him about the plan to set fire to the employer’s car, but he advised him not to go ahead with it. He recounted that Lavrynovych handed him a phone with the camera app open before igniting the vehicle. Pochynok filmed Lavrynovych walking away from the burning car but threw the phone on the floor and fled, saying he “didn’t want to participate in a crime.” When questioned by his barrister Dominic D’Souza about whether he had agreed to the plan, Pochynok replied, “I did not agree to do that.” He told the court he works in construction and at Harrods and denied ever accepting payment for any arson.

Additional events connected to the case include two other fires. On 11 May 2025, a fire broke out at flats in Islington where Sir Keir had previously lived. The following day, another fire occurred at the entrance to Sir Keir’s rented home in Kentish Town, the same street where the car had been set alight. Lavrynovych faces accusations of starting all three fires. During the trial, jurors heard that after the final incident, a message from someone called “El Money” instructed Lavrynovych to leave the city, acknowledging that he had “attacked the home of a very high-ranking person in Britain.”

Regarding political loyalty, Pochynok firmly rejected any association with Russia. Asked if he would ever help Russia or anyone linked to it causing trouble in the UK, he answered, “Putin is a terrorist.” When questioned about his knowledge of Sir Keir Starmer, Lavrynovych claimed ignorance, stating he did not know who Starmer was. However, Pochynok contradicted this, saying, “I know he is prime minister. He is Ukrainian friend, and all UK people are Ukrainian friends.” He added, “Mr Starmer help Ukraine more than the United States. Thank you so much.” The court also learned that Pochynok’s father, a soldier who fought in Ukraine, had passed away three weeks prior.

During the proceedings, there were concerns raised by the judge about the accuracy of the translation provided by the male Ukrainian interpreter during Pochynok’s testimony. Consequently, the judge, Mr Justice Garnham, decided to pause his evidence, which is scheduled to continue on 26 May. All three defendants, who live in London, deny conspiracy to damage property by fire between 1 April and 13 May last year. In addition, Lavrynovych faces charges of deliberately damaging two properties by fire on 11 and 12 May, with intent to endanger life or recklessness as to whether life was endangered

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