Ukraine detains British suspect accused of assisting Russia’s FSB in plot to assassinate

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has taken into custody Ross David Cutmore, a British national, for allegedly acquiring weapons and ammunition from Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) to carry out assassinations within Ukraine. Authorities say he could face up to 12 years in prison along with asset confiscation.

Although some sources have identified Cutmore as a former British military member, his actual service record remains unverified, and it is unclear whether the uniform he was photographed in belongs to the British military. Inquiries to the U.K. Ministry of Defense were redirected to the Foreign Office.

A spokesperson for the U.K. Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) stated that consular support is being provided to the detained individual and that they are maintaining communication with Ukrainian officials. They clarified that the FCDO cannot intervene in local criminal proceedings or influence prison or deportation outcomes.

On October 29, the SBU announced the arrest of an unnamed "former military instructor" collaborating with the FSB in Kyiv. According to the SBU, Cutmore arrived in Ukraine in early 2024 to train Ukrainian military personnel. Later that year, he allegedly ceased his instructional duties and sought to work with Russian intelligence, reportedly motivated by financial gain.

Investigators claim Cutmore was recruited by FSB operatives after posting on pro-Russian social media groups and later received $6,000 for providing sensitive intelligence. His tasks reportedly included gathering details about other foreign instructors and the locations of Ukrainian training centers in the south of the country.

The SBU also stated that Cutmore was given instructions to manufacture an improvised explosive device and to retrieve a pistol with loaded magazines. However, he was apprehended in his Kyiv residence before these plans could be executed. He faces charges of supplying intelligence to Russia and preparing acts classified as "terrorist attacks."

Requests for comment from the SBU and Kyiv's Prosecutor's Office were not immediately answered, and the FSB was not reachable for comment.

Author: Sophia Brooks