Ukrainian authorities have detained a former British soldier on serious allegations of acting as a spy for Russia, in a case that has sent shockwaves through diplomatic and defence circles.
The Allegations Against the Ex-Soldier
Ross David Cutmore, from Dunfermline, was reportedly training Ukrainian troops before his arrest. Prosecutors in Kyiv claim he was recruited by Russia's FSB intelligence service and, in 2024, began passing sensitive military information in exchange for money.
The specific intelligence he is accused of handing over includes the coordinates of Ukrainian military units, photographs of a training area, and personal details of military personnel that could be used to identify them. An analysis of his correspondence reportedly confirmed he performed additional tasks for Russian special services.
From Trainer to Accused Spy
Investigators state that Cutmore initially advertised his services through advertisements placed in pro-Russian social media groups. At the time, he was conducting instructional sessions for military personnel in the city of Mykolaiv.
He later took a position with a border unit before moving to Odesa. It was there, the prosecutor's office alleges, that he established contact with a representative of the Russian special services and agreed to provide military information for financial gain.
Grave Consequences and International Response
In a further shocking development, Cutmore is also suspected of supplying weapons that were used to murder two Ukrainian activists, Demyan Hanul and Iryna Farion, as well as MP Andriy Parubiy. All three were killed by assassins.
If convicted on the espionage charges, Ukrainian officials state the former soldier could face up to 12 years in prison and have his property confiscated.
The UK's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has confirmed it is aware of the case. A spokesperson said: "We are providing consular assistance to a British man who is detained in Ukraine. We remain in close contact with the Ukrainian authorities."
