Scottish Military Instructor Jailed for Spying for Russia in Ukraine

Ross David Cutmore, a Scottish military instructor, was sentenced to eight-and-a-half years in Ukraine for espionage. He admitted to sharing sensitive information about Ukrainian military positions and foreign trainers with Russian authorities for financial gain. Cutmore, who arrived in Ukraine in January 2024, initially trained recruits but later sought monetary rewards from pro-Kremlin groups. His activities included transmitting coordinates of military units, discussing terrorist attacks, and illegally possessing a firearm. He was arrested in October 2025 after an investigation by the Ukrainian security service revealed his espionage activities. Cutmore pleaded guilty in April 2026, leading to his sentencing.

Key Points: • Ross David Cutmore was jailed for eight-and-a-half years for spying for Russia in Ukraine. • He shared sensitive military information for $6,000 and possessed an illegal firearm. • Cutmore's espionage activities included disclosing Ukrainian unit locations and discussing terrorist attacks.