A man from Scotland has been sentenced to over eight years in prison for spying on the Ukrainian military on behalf of Russia. Ross David Cutmore, hailing from Dunfermline in Fife, confessed to acting as a Russian spy, providing details about Ukraine’s military in exchange for payment. Initially a military instructor in Ukraine since early 2024, Cutmore was described by the Ukrainian prosecutor general’s office as having acted with selfish motives to pass information to Russia.
Following a plea deal at the Kyiv district court of Odesa on April 30, Cutmore has been imprisoned in Ukraine for eight years and six months. Prosecutors disclosed that Cutmore began his activities in Ukraine in January 2024, conducting training sessions for Ukrainian service members in Mykolaiv. Subsequently, he left his role in September of the same year, seeking financial gains through pro-Kremlin online platforms.
Upon relocating to Odessa, Cutmore established contact with a member of the Russian special services to exchange military intelligence for payment. Investigations by the Ukrainian security service (SBU) revealed that Cutmore shared Ukrainian unit coordinates, training area photographs, and identifying information about service personnel. Additionally, he gathered data on Odesa facilities, discussed the use of explosive devices, and attempted to access military unit commands, earning $6,000 (£4,500) for one task.
During the inquiry, Cutmore was found in possession of a Makarov pistol and combat cartridges obtained and stored unlawfully. He was apprehended in October 2025 and indicted by prosecutors on March 27 the following year. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office confirmed providing consular aid to the detained British citizen in Ukraine, maintaining close communication with Ukrainian authorities.