UK instructor arrested in Ukraine over alleged Russian espionage, targeted killings

Counterintelligence officers from the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), in coordination with UK intelligence agencies, have exposed a British national, Ross David Cutmore, who, on instructions from Russian intelligence, allegedly conducted espionage and sabotage operations in Ukraine during 2024–2025. He is currently in custody.

The special operation to apprehend Cutmore took place in early October, Caliber.Az reports, citing Ukrainian media.

The sources indicated that Cutmore arrived in Ukraine in 2024 as a military instructor, assisting in the training and preparation of Ukrainian Armed Forces personnel. They added that he possessed military experience gained during his service in the UK Armed Forces and deployments in the Middle East.

The sources further reported that Russian intelligence allegedly supplied Cutmore with firearms and ammunition “to conduct targeted killings within Ukraine.” Investigators have reason to believe that he brought in and distributed weapons that were later used in the killings of activist Demian Hanul, linguist Iryna Farion, and Ukrainian MP Andrii Parubii.

“Cutmore is currently detained and being held in custody, with investigative measures ongoing,” the source concluded.

By Vafa Guliyeva