Former British soldier allegedly assisted Russia in carrying out assassinations of prominent Ukrainians

Ross David Cutmore, who arrived in Ukraine in 2024 as a military instructor, is accused of aiding Russia in targeting prominent Ukrainian figures. Allegedly, Cutmore imported and distributed weapons used in the deaths of three Ukrainians while working with Russian intelligence between 2024 and 2025.

Cutmores initial role in Ukraine was to provide training to Ukrainian military personnel. He had prior experience in the British Army, including deployments in the Middle East, according to a source from the Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) reported by Ukrinform.

Investigators claim that Russian intelligence supplied Cutmore with firearms and ammunition, which he allegedly used to carry out targeted killings within Ukraine. The weapons were reportedly linked to the murders of Ukrainian activists Demian Hanul and Iryna Farion, as well as Ukrainian MP Andriy Parubiy.

Cutmore is currently detained in Ukraine pending further investigation. If convicted, he could face up to 12 years in prison and confiscation of property.

Victims of Alleged Attacks

Demian Hanul, a 31-year-old activist and blogger from Odesa, was shot dead last March. He was the founder of the NGO Street Front and had actively participated in the EuroMaidan Revolution and anti-Russian protests. Serhii Shalaiev, a 46-year-old Ukrainian soldier who deserted his unit, later admitted to Hanuls murder.

Iryna Farion, a 60-year-old nationalist politician, was killed outside her home in July 2024. Known for her controversial views, she advocated that true Ukrainian patriots should not speak Russian. Viacheslav Zinchenko, an 18-year-old from Dnipro, was arrested in connection with the murder but denied direct involvement.

Andriy Parubiy, aged 54, was a key political activist during the EuroMaidan Revolution. He was shot multiple times in Lviv in August. In October, the SSU stated it had sufficient evidence that Russian intelligence agencies had orchestrated the killing.

Allegations Against Cutmore

Cutmore was initially arrested in October, though his identity remained undisclosed at the time. Ukrainian authorities allege he shared information on Ukrainian Defense Forces with Russia and planned terrorist actions. He reportedly arrived in January 2024 to train soldiers in Mykolaiv and later served with a border guard unit.

In September 2024, after relocating to Odesa, Cutmore allegedly began providing services to Russian intelligence. He is accused of passing military coordinates, photographs of training sites, and personnel information. Authorities also claim he collected data on facilities in Odesa, discussed using explosives, sought access to military commanders, and received 4,500 for some of these tasks.

Author: Sophia Brooks