British Military Man Accused of Spying for Russia
Ukrainian authorities have made a startling arrest, detaining a British military instructor on serious allegations of espionage and assassination plotting for Russia. The suspect, identified as Ross David Cutmore, 40, from Dunfermline, was reportedly deployed to Ukraine early last year to assist its military forces.
Details of the Alleged Espionage Plot
According to prosecutors in Kyiv, Cutmore was allegedly recruited by Russia's Federal Security Service, the FSB. His purported mission was to "carry out targeted killings on the territory of Ukraine" between 2024 and 2025. The investigation claims he passed sensitive information to Russian handlers, including the coordinates of Ukrainian military units and photographs of a training facility.
In May 2025, he is accused of providing the locations of Ukrainian units, photos of a training site, and identifiable information on personnel. Ukrainian intelligence states that analysis of his correspondence confirmed he performed additional tasks for Russian special services.
Recruitment and Payment for Secrets
The case took shape when, as reported, FSB officers approached Cutmore after he allegedly posted adverts offering his services in online pro-Russian groups. The recruitment is said to have occurred in Odesa, southern Ukraine. He was reportedly offered a payment of $6,000 for confidential data regarding Ukrainian military positions around the city.
Ukrainian media reports further allege Cutmore's involvement in providing weapons used in the murders of Ukrainian activists Demyan Hanul and Iryna Farion, as well as MP Andriy Parubiy. Intelligence agencies claim he received instructions to build an explosive device and was directed to a cache where he collected a pistol.
Cutmore, who had previous British Army deployments to the Middle East, later worked with Ukraine's border guard. If convicted, he faces a potential prison sentence of up to 12 years.
Official Responses and Wider Context
A spokesperson for the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office confirmed they are "providing consular assistance to a British man who is detained in Ukraine" and remain in close contact with local authorities. The arrest occurs against the backdrop of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's call for foreign veterans to join Ukraine's defence since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, which saw thousands enlist.
This case highlights the complex and shadowy nature of the conflict, where allegations of infiltration and covert operations add a dangerous new dimension to the war. The investigation continues as Ukrainian prosecutors build their case.
