Spy scandal in the EU: translator of Zelensky’s speech fired on suspicion of working for Russia

The European Commission fired a French-Ukrainian translator on suspicion of spying for Russia. She was suspected of deciphering recordings made during a closed meeting between the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyi and EU leaders in Brussels at the end of 2024. About this informsPolitician

The incident occurred on December 19, 2024, during a meeting of the European Council, which was attended by Volodymyr Zelenskyi. According to the European Commission’s code of conduct, it is forbidden to take written notes at closed meetings on defense and security issues.

The results of the internal investigation have been handed over to Belgian authorities, who must determine whether the proceedings will continue and whether the translator’s actions are part of an alleged Russian espionage operation. During that meeting, the leaders of the European Union promised to provide Ukraine with at least 30 billion euros in financial aid in 2025 — for the purchase of weapons and the protection of energy infrastructure.

During the discussions, the Czech translators noticed how their colleague, who was responsible for the Ukrainian translation, Mrs. I., was recording the content of the discussion in a nearby booth. This was immediately reported to the security services, who entered the cabin and jumped into it by surprise. They removed all the recordings, after which the interpreter was ordered to leave the premises. An investigation was launched the same day, her accreditation was revoked, and her access to the premises of the European Commission was revoked.

Ms. I. was born in a family with Russian roots and lived in Ukraine together with her sister, who also worked as a translator. They both had about 20 years of freelance work for NATO, the European Commission, as well as for the ministries of defense and foreign affairs of France.

“A note-taking incident prohibited by our code of conduct did occur during a meeting on December 19, 2024. The notes were confiscated. After careful consideration of the facts, it was decided not to use the interpreter’s services again.” — noted in the European Commission.

For several years, the Ukrainian embassies in France and Belgium have repeatedly opposed her participation in meetings with the President of Ukraine, pointing to her professional ties with representatives of Russian structures.