A Scottish man who traveled to Ukraine as a military instructor has been sentenced to eight-and-a-half years in prison after admitting to working as a Russian spy. Ross David Cutmore, from Dunfermline in Fife, pleaded guilty in a court in Odesa to passing sensitive military information to Russia while Ukraine remained under martial law, according to Ukrainian media Slidstvo-Info.
Background of the Case
Cutmore arrived in Ukraine in January 2024 to work as a foreign military trainer. However, Ukrainian authorities said he later abandoned this role and began engaging with pro-Kremlin online groups in search of what officials described as “easy money.” Officials stated that he was eventually recruited by an officer linked to Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB), who allegedly paid him in exchange for intelligence.
Espionage Activities
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) reported that Cutmore passed on coordinates linked to Ukrainian military positions, details about foreign trainers, and photographs of training sites. He was also accused of gathering information on facilities in Odesa and attempting to obtain access to military command structures. For one assignment, officials said he received around 6,000 US dollars, equivalent to roughly £4,400.
Planned Attacks and Arrest
Ukrainian authorities further alleged that Cutmore discussed potential terrorist attacks and was instructed to prepare explosive devices. Officials said he was provided with guidance on assembling an improvised bomb and directed to a hidden weapons stash containing a Makarov pistol and loaded magazines. Counterintelligence officers arrested him in October 2024 before any planned attacks could be carried out.
Legal Proceedings
Cutmore later admitted his involvement during proceedings at the Kyiv District Court in Odesa on 30 April and agreed to cooperate with the investigation as part of a plea deal. He was convicted under Ukrainian laws relating to the unauthorised disclosure of military information and illegal possession of weapons and ammunition. The court sentenced him to eight and a half years in prison.
