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Ukraine Detains British Ex-Instructor Accused of Spying for Russia and Plotting Attacks

Prosecutors cite transmitted coordinates after contact with an FSB handler.

Overview

  • Ukrainian authorities served the suspect a notice of suspicion on Oct. 27 under Article 114-2 and a Kyiv court ordered pre-trial detention without bail on Oct. 29.
  • Investigators say he arrived in January 2024, trained troops in Mykolaiv and with a border unit, moved to Odesa in late 2024, and in May 2025 sent unit coordinates, training-site photos, and personnel details for a reported $6,000 payment.
  • The SBU reports he advertised his services in pro-Kremlin online groups, received IED-making instructions and weapons-cache coordinates from a handler, and retrieved a pistol with two loaded magazines.
  • The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office says it is aware of the detention and remains in close contact with Ukrainian authorities.
  • Ukrainian security services separately detained a Druzhkivka woman charged with high treason for spying as a cleaner and a Kharkiv suspect allegedly preparing an IED, as German courts issued a Munich verdict in a Russia-linked sabotage case and opened a related Frankfurt trial.