Jack Lopestri (right) with Rishi Sunak (Image: Getty)
A Tory MP who lost his seat in last year’s elections has joined the Ukrainian International Legion.
Jack Lopresti, 55, signed up to fight last November after he failed to hold on to his seat of Filton and Bradley Stoke.
During his time as an MP, he served as parliamentary chairman of the group Conservative Friends of , a position that allowed him to develop strong contacts with Kyiv.
He hosted Ukrainian MPs, taking them to meet defence manufacturers such as Babcock and Boeing.
Mr Lopestri arrived in Kyiv on January 15, and is currently helping in procuring weapons, as well as with diplomatic relations.
However, he is more than prepared to go to the frontlines and engage in direct combat with the Putin’s army.
The former veteran told : “I am a soldier. If I’m asked and needed to do any particular task, I will do it to the best of my ability.
“It would be very strange for me to serve in the Ukrainian military and not say this. I am here and I will do my best.”
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He added that was fighting for Europe and for freedom, warning that it would be “catastrophic” for the world if Putin was to emerge victorious from the war.
Mr Lopresti is a father of four children and said his family were initially very worried, but have since accepted his decisions.
“I’ve always returned back safely, they can see how passionate I am and the fact that I’m helping, doing the best I can makes it easier.”
He said Ukrainians were quietly optimistic that will be able to bring about an end to the fighting.