Scot jailed in Ukraine after pleading guilty to spying for Russia

A Scottish man has been jailed in Ukraine after he pled guilty to spying for Russia.

Ross David Cutmore, from Dunfermline, was found to have shared information regarding the positions of Ukrainian military personnel on the ground for monetary gain.

He was also found to be in the possession of an illegally acquired firearm and ammunition.

Cutmore arrived in the country in January 2024 to train recruits in the southern city of Mykolaiv. At the end of September 2024, the Scot moved to Odesa and established contact with the Russian special services.

He agreed to disclose military-related information for a reward.

Ross David Cutmore has been jailed for eight years and six months Slidstvo.Info.

Prosecutors found that in May 2025, Cutmore transmitted the coordinates of the locations of Ukrainian units, photographs of the training area, and information about servicemen with the possibility of their identification.

He also collected data on facilities in Odesa, discussed the possibility of using explosive devices, and attempted to gain access to the command of military units.

For one of the tasks carried out on behalf of the Russian special services, Cutmore received $6,000. He was arrested in October 2025.

On April 30 2026, the Dunfermline man was jailed for eight years and six months after he pled guilty at the Kyiv District Court of Odesa.

A Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office spokesperson said: “We are providing consular assistance to a British man who is detained in Ukraine.

“We remain in close contact with the Ukrainian authorities.”