The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has arrested British national Ross Catmor on suspicion of espionage for Russia. Catmor, a 40-year-old Scotsman from Dunfermline, arrived in Ukraine as a military instructor and worked at a training ground in Mykolaiv region, training recruits. However, according to investigators, he passed coordinates of Ukrainian military units, information about Armed Forces personnel, foreign instructors, and southern Ukraine training centers to Russia’s FSB.
In the autumn of 2024, Catmor contacted Russian intelligence via Telegram, volunteering his services. He was subsequently recruited and began supplying sensitive information, reportedly receiving $6,000 for one assignment. Later, Catmor received instructions on making bombs and coordinates for a weapon cache. According to the SBU, he was preparing terrorist acts, though specifics have not been disclosed.
Investigators consider him connected to three high-profile murders: Iryna Farion, activist Demyan Hanul, and former parliamentary speaker Andriy Parubiy. The operation was coordinated by the SBU and UK intelligence services, led by Oleksandr Poklad. This marks the first known arrest of a Western citizen for spying for Russia in Ukraine.
Catmor is currently in custody awaiting trial. The case highlights new FSB recruitment methods and the dangers posed by foreign spies infiltrating Ukraine’s and its allies’ military structures.
