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, who resides in Dunfermline, admitted to acting as a Russian spy and providing information about Ukraine’s military in exchange for payment. He had been working as a military instructor in Ukraine since early 2024.
According to the Ukrainian prosecutor general’s office, the 40-year-old man acted selfishly with the intention of sharing data with Russia, the aggressor country. Cutmore has been imprisoned in Ukraine for eight years and six months after confessing his guilt in a plea deal at the Kyiv district court of Odesa on April 30.
Prosecutors revealed that Cutmore arrived in Ukraine in January 2024 and conducted training sessions for Ukrainian service members in Mykolaiv. He later quit his role and sought “easy money” in pro-Kremlin online communities. After relocating to Odessa, he established contact with a Russian special services member and agreed to provide military information for financial gain.
An investigation by the Ukrainian security service (SBU) discovered that Cutmore had shared Ukrainian units’ coordinates, training area photos, and information that could jeopardize service personnel’s identities. He also gathered intelligence on Odesa facilities, discussed using explosive devices, and attempted to access military unit commands. One task reportedly earned him $6,000 (£4,500).
During the investigation, authorities found that Cutmore possessed a Makarov pistol and illegal combat cartridges. He was apprehended in October 2025 and an indictment, along with a plea agreement, was submitted to the court on March 27 the following year.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office confirmed they are providing consular assistance to the detained British man in Ukraine and are maintaining close communication with Ukrainian authorities.
