Russian-linked sabotage network targets UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's home

British authorities uncovered a coordinated sabotage campaign aimed at Prime Minister Keir Starmer. An arson plot set fire to the entrance of Starmer's family home in north London and to a former residence vehicle. The investigation identified a 20‑year‑old Ukrainian construction worker, Roman Lavrinovič, as the operative, who was arrested shortly after the attacks. Evidence points to a broader operation orchestrated by a Russian diplomat, identified by BBC investigators as 23‑year‑old Evgeny Ljukshin, who allegedly offered Russian citizenship for further attacks and praised President Vladimir Putin. The sabotage effort was part of a larger disinformation strategy that created fake far‑right and Muslim groups on social media, including the fabricated "Direct Action UK" and "Takbir Foundation," to incite vandalism and communal tension in the United Kingdom.

The Russian Foreign Ministry denied any involvement. The case underscores concerns about foreign interference and information warfare targeting high‑profile UK officials.