After losing his seat in the 2024 election, former Conservative MP for Bradley Stoke & Filton, Jack Lopresti, went to Ukraine to fight with their military and has now transferred to the Azov Brigade there.
During his time as a politician, Lopresti visited Ukraine several times and moved to Ukraine permanently to serve in an intelligence unit.
He has now moved to the 12th Special Forces Brigade known as Azov.
Writing on his X (formerly Twitter) account, Lopresti said: “I am honoured to begin my service with the 12th Special Forces Brigade ‘Azov’ of the National Guard of Ukraine, a unit that has become a symbol of resilience and uncompromising principle.
“Over the past year, I served with the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine. To have served in what I consider two of Ukraine’s finest military formations is one of the greatest honours of my life.
“Azov was formed in 2014 in response to Russia’s aggression. It began with volunteers, many without prior military experience, driven by conviction rather than obligation. Over time, it evolved into a benchmark for modern warfare, defined by innovation, frontline medical care, relentless training and a clear focus on the motivated, well-prepared soldier as the decisive factor.
“In 2022, the defence of Mariupol showed the world exactly what Azov stands for: resistance under impossible conditions.”
He went on to say: “Azov is built on principle, discipline and brotherhood. To be an Azov fighter is to hold yourself to the highest standard, to put the mission above self. At its core lies a simple truth: no glory without a fight.
“Today, the Ukrainian military is not only defending its own sovereignty, it is also the frontline guarantee of Europe’s security. What happens here will shape the future of the free world. Ukraine continues to resist. Ukraine stands firm. Together, we will prevail. Slava Ukraini!” [This translates as ‘glory to Ukraine’.]
The Azov Brigade is part of the National Guard of Ukraine and was formerly based in Mariupol. The unit takes its name from the Sea of Azov. However, it has been criticised for its apparent Nazi connections, because the brigade’s emblem features a medieval symbol called the wolfsangel which was heavily used by the Third Reich and adopted by various German army and Waffen-SS divisions during the Second World War.