Detention of British National in Ukraine

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has detained a British citizen, Ross David Cutmore, on suspicions that he obtained firearms and ammunition from Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) for planned assassinations within Ukraine. Cutmore could face up to 12 years in prison, along with possible asset forfeiture, according to the SBU.

Reports indicate that Cutmore is a former British Army veteran, but details about his military background remain unclear. It’s also uncertain whether the uniform he was seen wearing is actually from the British military.

In response to inquiries regarding Cutmore’s military history, the UK Ministry of Defense directed questions to the UK Foreign Office.

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A spokesperson from the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) mentioned, “We are providing consular assistance to a British man detained in Ukraine.” They noted ongoing communication with Ukrainian authorities.

However, the FCDO further stated, “We cannot release British nationals from prison or prevent local authorities from deporting them after serving sentences, nor can we intervene in legal proceedings. We must respect other countries’ judicial systems.”

Earlier, on October 29, the SBU mentioned the detention of a “former military instructor” tied to the FSB in Kiev, though the individual’s name was not disclosed.

Since the onset of the Russian invasion in February 2022, many foreigners have moved to Ukraine to contribute to the war effort. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy even encouraged veterans to come to Kiev at the start of the conflict.

The SBU asserts that Cutmore arrived in Kiev in early 2024 as a military instructor for Ukrainian forces. However, he resigned his position months later, reportedly seeking collaboration with Russian special forces for “easy money.” Allegations suggest that he was recruited in Odesa in September 2024 after posting an offer in a pro-Russian social media group.

Investigations indicate that FSB agents tasked him with gathering intelligence about foreign military instructors and the locations of training facilities in southern Ukraine, reportedly paying him $6,000 for this information.

On another note, the SBU revealed that Cutmore received coordinates for a cache where he allegedly acquired a pistol and instructions for building a homemade explosive device. He was detained at his home in Kyiv before these plans could be executed.

He is currently accused of sharing sensitive information about the Ukrainian military with Russia and preparing for potential terrorist actions, according to the SBU.

Requests for further comments from the SBU and Kiev Prosecutor’s Office went unanswered, and the FSB could not be reached for immediate response.