EU Interpreter Dismissed Over Suspected Espionage for Russia

An external interpreter working for the European Commission has been dismissed following suspicions of espionage for Russia. 

The Gaze reports on this with reference to Euractiv, citing Le Monde.

The incident centers on a confidential meeting held in Brussels last year between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and top EU leaders, during which the interpreter was seen taking notes, which is a direct violation of established security protocols.

Czech interpreters noticed the Ukrainian-language interpreter discreetly writing during the closed-door session. 

The meeting reportedly focused on Ukraine’s battlefield situation and the future of European military aid in the aftermath of Donald Trump's victory in the U.S. presidential election.

Security personnel immediately removed the interpreter from the booth and confiscated her notes. 

The European Commission has since confirmed the incident and stated that an internal review led to the decision to sever all ties with the interpreter.

Identified by Le Monde only as “Ms. M,” the interpreter is of Russian origin and holds dual citizenship with France and Ukraine. 

She and her sister had been freelancing for over two decades, providing language services to EU institutions, French ministries, and NATO.

While Ms. M remains listed in official interpreter rosters for NATO, the French Permanent Representation in Brussels, and several French government agencies, the fallout from the case is mounting. 

Authorities are now weighing whether to pursue a broader investigation into potential links with a Russian intelligence operation.

Ukrainian officials have already blacklisted the interpreter, citing concerns about her alleged professional connections to Russian officials. 

In a response to Le Monde, Ms. M denied any wrongdoing and insisted she has always upheld the ethical standards of her profession.

French officials have stated that they will draw all necessary conclusions from the incident, and the case is likely to increase scrutiny of potential espionage risks within international institutions.

As The Gaze reported earlier, on July 9, the Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) has arrested two Chinese nationals on charges of espionage, accusing them of attempting to smuggle classified missile technology related to Ukaine’s Neptune cruise missile system to China.