A former British soldier has been arrested in Ukraine on suspicion of acting as a spy for Russia, allegedly lured by the promise of 'easy money'.
From Instructor to Alleged FSB Agent
The man, whose name has been reported in Ukrainian media, travelled to Ukraine in 2024 with the stated purpose of training Ukrainian troops, according to a statement from the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU). However, Ukrainian authorities claim that while pretending to assist forces defending against Russia's invasion, he was secretly recruited by Russia's FSB spy agency.
He is accused of subsequently passing secret information to his handlers and engaging in 'reconnaissance and sabotage activities'. Crucially, investigators allege he prepared attacks on high-profile Ukrainian figures, with the Kremlin providing him with weapons and ammunition for 'targeted killings on the territory of Ukraine'.
Link to High-Profile Assassinations
The SBU investigation believes the former military instructor distributed firearms used in three specific assassinations that shocked Ukraine.
Andriy Parubiy, a former secretary of Ukraine's National Security and Defence Council, was shot dead in broad daylight in Lviv on August 30. Iryna Farion, a prominent activist, was also killed in Lviv. The third victim was Demian Hanul, a Ukrainian nationalist campaigner wanted by Russia, who was gunned down in Odesa in March.
While these killings were met with widespread condemnation in Ukraine, they were reportedly celebrated by hardline Russian war supporters.
Scope of Intelligence and Ongoing Probe
The information the man is alleged to have compromised includes the coordinates of military training centres in southern Ukraine and details about foreign instructors working with Ukrainian armed forces.
The SBU first revealed his arrest in October, but further case details, including his identity, emerged in Ukrainian media reports on December 2, 2025. The suspect remains in custody as the investigation continues.
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has not yet commented publicly on the arrest or the individual's identity. It is understood the man has previous military experience from service in the British Army, which included a deployment to the Middle East.
