Ross David Cutmore, a former British soldier, was arrested by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) in October on charges of "receiving weapons and ammunition from the Federal Security Service (FSB) of Russia to carry out targeted assassinations on Ukrainian territory." Ukrainian intelligence officials publicly announced the arrest on December 2.

According to Ukrainian officials, Cutmore arrived in Kyiv in early 2024 to work as a trainer for the Ukrainian military. The former British soldier had also previously worked in the Middle East. Cutmore is further accused of providing information about the locations of armed units to Russian forces. If convicted, he could face up to 12 years in prison and confiscation of personal assets.

Ross David Cutmore in a photo released on 2/12. Photo: SBU

"After several months as a military trainer, Cutmore ceased his work and offered to provide information to Russian intelligence for money. He posted advertisements about this in various pro-Moscow social media groups," the SBU statement read.

The SBU reported that an FSB officer contacted Cutmore, and they began planning sabotage against the Ukrainian military. The former British soldier is suspected of providing information about foreign instructors working with Ukrainian armed forces.

Cutmore is also accused of disclosing the coordinates of Ukrainian training grounds in the southern region and directing new recruits there for Russian attacks. Russian intelligence reportedly provided Cutmore with instructions for manufacturing explosive devices, along with the location of a hidden pistol and two magazines.

Personnel from the SBU's counter-intelligence department arrested Cutmore before he could execute the plan, the agency stated.

Ross David Cutmore. Photo: Telegraph

Russia has not commented on the information.

The British Foreign Office announced it is providing consular assistance to a British citizen arrested in Ukraine and is maintaining close contact with local authorities.

On the same day, Poland's National Prosecutor's Office accused Russian citizen Mikhail Mirgorodsky, 28 years old, of working for the FSB and directing a network of approximately 30 scouts and agents operating in Poland since 2023.

Mirgorodsky is also suspected of organizing arson attacks, ordering subordinates to assault and threaten individuals of Ukrainian and Belarusian origin in Poland, funding criminal activities related to cryptocurrency, and planning to derail a train in Poland in 2023.

Nguyen Tien (According to FT, AFP, AP)