Tory MP turned Ukraine soldier hits out at Trump

Jack Lopresti says morale in the Ukrainian army remains high and they’ll continue to fight even if US support wavers

- MILLIE COOKE POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT

An ex-Tory MP who joined the Ukrainian army has vowed the country won’t bow to Donald Trump’s demands, warning that the country’s military will continue to fight alone if necessary.

Sitting down with The Independent, Jack Lopresti – who joined the International Legion of Ukraine after losing his seat in the 2024 general election – said morale in the army is as high as ever, describing it as “astonishing and inspirational”.

“People need to be aware here that, actually, Ukraine isn’t losing. The lines have remained fairly static for two years and, given the scale and the mass of what the Russians were throwing at them, they’re doing an astonishing job in their ability to defend their country.

“I tell you, they are not going to accept anything from Trump which is going to diminish their country and stop them being a free nation. They’ll continue to fight on their own if they have to.”