London, October 18, 2025:
Two Ukrainian nationals accused of planning to set fire to properties allegedly linked to British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak have denied all charges in a London court, insisting they had no involvement in any arson plot.
The suspects, identified as Mykhailo Ivanov (33) and Serhii Hlushko (29), appeared before the Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday, facing allegations of conspiracy to commit arson with intent to endanger life.
🔥 What Prosecutors Say
According to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), the men were allegedly part of a coordinated plan to target multiple sites associated with the Prime Minister’s family and political circle. Authorities say the alleged plot was uncovered through surveillance and intercepted communications, suggesting that the pair had been “reconnoitering” the areas in question.
Prosecutors claim that accelerants and incendiary devices were found during searches of their temporary London residence earlier this month.
“The evidence indicates careful planning and potential coordination with unknown individuals abroad,” the CPS stated.
However, no actual attempt to ignite fires was made, and the alleged plan was disrupted before any damage occurred.
⚖️ Defendants Deny Charges
Both men have strongly denied the accusations, claiming they were in the UK for temporary work and had no knowledge of any arson plan.
Their defense lawyers argued that the items recovered were ordinary household materials, and that police had “misinterpreted” digital communications due to language translation issues.
“My clients are innocent foreign workers who have been unfairly accused amid heightened political tensions,” said defense attorney Eleanor Matthews.
The defendants have pleaded not guilty and requested bail, though prosecutors argued that they posed a flight risk due to their non-resident status in the UK.
🏛️ Court Proceedings
District Judge Paul Goldspring denied bail and remanded both men in custody pending further investigation. The case has now been referred to the Old Bailey, with a preliminary hearing scheduled for November 5, 2025.
The Metropolitan Police’s Counter-Terrorism Command continues to investigate possible foreign links or political motives behind the alleged plot.
🌍 Political Sensitivity
The case comes amid increasing reports of foreign-linked security threats across Europe. British officials have not confirmed whether the alleged plot had any connection to state actors or organized extremist networks.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s office declined to comment, citing the ongoing investigation, but confirmed that no member of his family was at risk and that security measures remain heightened.
🗣️ Ukrainian Embassy Responds
In a statement, the Ukrainian Embassy in London said it was aware of the arrests and was “closely monitoring the legal process.” It urged that the men be afforded fair trial rights and reminded the public not to draw conclusions before the court proceedings conclude.
“We respect British law enforcement and trust that the investigation will establish the truth,” the embassy said.
❓ FAQs: Ukrainian Men and UK Arson Plot Case
1. Who are the accused?
Two Ukrainian nationals, Mykhailo Ivanov and Serhii Hlushko, currently in UK custody.
2. What are they accused of?
Conspiracy to commit arson targeting properties linked to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
3. Did any attack actually happen?
No. Authorities say the plot was intercepted before any damage occurred.
4. What do the suspects claim?
They deny all charges, saying they were in the UK for work and that the evidence is misinterpreted.
5. What happens next?
The case will move to the Old Bailey for a full hearing in November 2025.
