Petro Pochynok Denies Role in Starmer Car Arson, Citing Deception Over "Luggage" in Kentish Town
Petro Pochynok, 35, told jurors he had no part in a plan to target Sir Keir Starmer, despite being present when a Toyota, formerly owned by the Prime Minister, was set alight on 8 May 2025 in Kentish Town. Pochynok stated through a translator that he became involved after his friend, Stanislav Carpiuc, 27, asked for assistance with "heavy suitcases" for an associate, Roman Lavrynovych, 22.
Upon meeting Lavrynovych in the early hours of 8 May, Pochynok claims he realised there were no suitcases, only a rucksack. He described Lavrynovych as "very irritated" and preoccupied with an unpaid employer. Pochynok testified he then understood he had been "deceived" when Lavrynovych expressed an intention to set fire to a car, which Pochynok advised against.
Pochynok recounted being handed a phone with the camera active, moments before Lavrynovych ignited the car. He captured a brief video of Lavrynovych moving away as the vehicle began to burn, then discarded the phone and fled, stating he "didn't want to participate in a crime." When asked by his barrister, Dominic D'Souza, if he had agreed to the plan, Pochynok asserted, "I did not agree to do that." He maintained he worked in construction and at Harrods, never agreeing to be paid for arson.
Lavrynovych previously informed the court he was recruited by an online account, "El Money," which offered payment to set fire to the car and properties. Three days after the car fire, a blaze was discovered at flats in Islington where Sir Keir previously resided. The following day, another fire occurred at the front entrance of Sir Keir's Kentish Town home, being rented by his sister-in-law. Lavrynovych faces accusations of initiating all three fires.
The court heard "El Money" messaged Lavrynovych after the final fire, stating, "Look, you attacked the home of a very high-ranking person in Britain. I'll send you money, you need to leave the city." Pochynok denied he would assist anyone linked to Russia, stating, "Putin is a terrorist." While Lavrynovych claimed ignorance of Sir Keir's identity, Pochynok stated, "I know he is prime minister. He is Ukrainian friend, and all UK people are Ukrainian friends. Mr Starmer help Ukraine more than the United States. Thank you so much."
Pochynok, Lavrynovych, and Carpiuc, all of London, deny conspiracy to damage property by fire between 1 April and 13 May last year. Lavrynovych additionally denies damaging two properties by fire with intent to endanger life or being reckless as to whether life was endangered on 11 and 12 May last year. The trial continues, with Pochynok due to resume evidence on 26 May after concerns over interpretation accuracy.
