British Military Instructor Accused of Spying for Russia Arrested in Ukraine
Ross David Cutmore, 40, from Dunfermline, has been arrested by Ukrainian authorities on suspicion of spying for Russia and plotting assassinations. The Kyiv prosecutor's office confirmed that Cutmore was allegedly recruited by the FSB to carry out targeted killings on Ukrainian territory between 2024 and 2025.
According to investigators, Cutmore passed on sensitive information about Ukrainian military units, photographs of a training facility, and details about personnel who could be identified. His correspondence also revealed that he had carried out other tasks for Russian special services.
Cutmore's deployment to Ukraine began early last year, where he assisted the country's military and later its border guard. However, it appears his loyalty lay with Russia, as FSB officers reportedly approached him after spotting pro-Russian postings on social media groups.
The investigation suggests that Cutmore was paid $6,000 for confidential information about Ukrainian military units in Odesa, southern Ukraine. He is now facing up to 12 years in prison if convicted.
Ukrainian authorities have linked Cutmore to the murders of activists Demyan Hanul and Iryna Farion, as well as MP Andriy Parubiy, who were all killed by assassins. The alleged plot also involves the creation of an explosive device and the acquisition of a pistol from a cache.
The arrest has raised concerns about foreign interference in Ukraine's military operations. Since Russia's full invasion in 2022, thousands of foreign war veterans have enlisted to support Ukraine's armed forces.
Ross David Cutmore, 40, from Dunfermline, has been arrested by Ukrainian authorities on suspicion of spying for Russia and plotting assassinations. The Kyiv prosecutor's office confirmed that Cutmore was allegedly recruited by the FSB to carry out targeted killings on Ukrainian territory between 2024 and 2025.
According to investigators, Cutmore passed on sensitive information about Ukrainian military units, photographs of a training facility, and details about personnel who could be identified. His correspondence also revealed that he had carried out other tasks for Russian special services.
Cutmore's deployment to Ukraine began early last year, where he assisted the country's military and later its border guard. However, it appears his loyalty lay with Russia, as FSB officers reportedly approached him after spotting pro-Russian postings on social media groups.
The investigation suggests that Cutmore was paid $6,000 for confidential information about Ukrainian military units in Odesa, southern Ukraine. He is now facing up to 12 years in prison if convicted.
Ukrainian authorities have linked Cutmore to the murders of activists Demyan Hanul and Iryna Farion, as well as MP Andriy Parubiy, who were all killed by assassins. The alleged plot also involves the creation of an explosive device and the acquisition of a pistol from a cache.
The arrest has raised concerns about foreign interference in Ukraine's military operations. Since Russia's full invasion in 2022, thousands of foreign war veterans have enlisted to support Ukraine's armed forces.
! I mean I knew it was a risk for all these foreigners coming in but I didn't think it would come to this. $6k for info about Ukrainian military units? That's wild 
. And now he's linked to the deaths of 3 people, that's just heartbreaking 
. The investigation is getting more and more interesting by the day 
. I'm not surprised though, we've all seen how Russia can get its hands dirty in Ukraine. It's a big deal that Ukrainian authorities are keeping an eye on this guy 
. Now the question is what's next? Is there more like him lurking around? 
this whole thing is just so messed up, you know? I mean, think about it - this guy, Cutmore, was living in a country that wasn't even his own (UK), working as a military instructor, and suddenly he's spilling all our secrets to the Russians 
. It's like, what were we thinking, right?
I mean, sure, he messed up big time, but you gotta feel for the guy. He was living in Ukraine, working with their military and border guard... what did they expect him to do?
It's like, can't we all just get along? 
. Passing sensitive info about Ukrainian military units and training facilities? No thanks! 
.