There is no alternative to Ukraine’s victory, a former Tory MP serving in their military has just told us – vowing to stay “as long as I’m needed”.

Jack Lopresti, who was MP for Filton and Bradley Stoke from 2010 to 2024, lost his seat in the July election and revealed he’s now serving with the International Legion of Ukraine in its defence intelligence division.

Speaking on Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips, he said he’s there because this not just a battle for Ukraine.

“We know what Putin wants, which is the restoration of the Russian Empire,” he said.

“If we fail here, then we know he won’t stop. So, this is a battle for Europe. And if Putin succeeds, it is a green light for dictators everywhere – and we’ll all be in it.”

Ukraine will fight for as long as it takes, he said, because the alternative to winning on the battlefield would be “catastrophic”.

“I volunteered, and I will stay here for as long as I’m needed, and I’ll do whatever I’m asked to do and whatever I need to, to the best of my ability,” he added.

“And that’s pretty much the feeling amongst the military and amongst the civilians here.”

US President Donald Trump said he has spoken with Vladimir Putin about ending the war – claiming the Russian leader wants the dying to stop (see our 7.55am post).

In November, Volodymyr Zelenskyy told us a ceasefire deal could possibly be struck if Ukrainian territory he controls were taken “under the NATO umbrella” – allowing him to negotiate the return of the rest later “in a diplomatic way”.

But Lopresti said he “doesn’t know” what negotiation means.

“I don’t think you can negotiate away an invasion, war crimes, atrocities,” he said.

“The Ukrainians know they have to win to remain a free, independent, sovereign nation.“