A Scottish man who worked as a military instructor in Ukraine has been sentenced to eight years and six months in prison after admitting spying for Russia. Ross David Cutmore, from Dunfermline in Fife, was found to have transmitted sensitive information about Ukrainian military positions and personnel to Russian special services in exchange for payment.
According to Ukraine's prosecutor general's office, Cutmore arrived in Ukraine in January 2024 and initially ran training classes for Ukrainian service members in the city of Mykolaiv. In September 2024, he relocated to Odesa, where he established contact with a Russian agent and agreed to provide military intelligence for money. One task reportedly earned him $6,000 (£4,500).
An investigation by the Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) in May 2025 revealed that Cutmore had passed on co-ordinates of Ukrainian units, photographs of a training area, and information that could identify service personnel. He also collected data on facilities in Odesa and discussed the use of explosive devices, while attempting to gain access to military command structures.
Cutmore was also found to be in illegal possession of a Makarov pistol and combat cartridges. He was detained in October 2025, and an indictment was submitted to the court in March 2026 under a plea agreement. He pleaded guilty at the Kyiv district court of Odesa on April 30.
A Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office spokesperson said consular assistance was being provided to the British national, adding that they remained in close contact with Ukrainian authorities.
