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Translator at Zelenskyy’s EU Meetings Fired Over Russia Spy Allegations
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![Photo of Dariia Mykhailenko]( "Photo of Dariia Mykhailenko")
A translator hired by the European Union to work at high-level meetings with President Volodymyr Zelenskyyy was dismissed in December 2024 over suspected espionage for Russia—despite prior warnings from Ukraine.
The incident remained under wraps until recently, when it was reported by Le Monde on July 10.
On December 19, 2024, the European Council convened in Brussels, with President Zelensky attending a key summit amid growing concern over a possible second Trump presidency. The EU pledged at least approximately $32.5 billion in financial aid for Ukraine in 2025, with funds aimed at strengthening air defense and protecting energy infrastructure—top targets for Russian attacks.
The session was closed to the public, and translators were strictly forbidden from taking written notes. But during the meeting, Czech interpreters noticed their Ukrainian-language colleague—referred to as “Ms. I.”—writing down sensitive details from the closed-door discussion.
Security was immediately alerted. Officials entered the interpreter’s booth, seized her notes and equipment, and removed her from the premises. Her accreditation was revoked the same day, and she was banned from reentering EU Commission buildings. An internal investigation followed.
According to Le Monde, Ms. I. has Russian family ties, and her sister—also a translator—was born in Russia. Both women have worked as freelancers for NATO, the European Commission, and French ministries for nearly two decades. Ms. I. herself studied in Kyiv and later in Strasbourg.
Ukrainian embassies in France and Belgium had repeatedly raised concerns about her access to events involving the President, citing her connections with Russian officials. Ukrainian diplomats explicitly warned the EU about the risks.
When contacted by Le Monde, Ms. I. said she was “very surprised to be approached about a matter of no interest.” and said her work history with NATO and French institutions proves her credibility. She later refused to comment on the note-taking, claiming everything about her translation work is classified.
The European Commission confirmed the breach and stated that following a review, it would no longer use her services.
Still, Le Monde reports that Ms. I. remains listed as an active interpreter with NATO, the French Permanent Representation in Brussels, and several French ministries. A French diplomatic source said she continued to appear at two international conferences in 2024, although unrelated to Ukraine.
French authorities have pledged to “draw all the necessary consequences from this incident” from the case. However, the country’s internal security agency told Le Monde it has not received any formal intelligence regarding the matter.
Earlier, Colombian authorities arrested 21-year-old Jesús Ramos Santos in the city of Barranquilla. He was wanted by Lithuania on charges of espionage and suspected involvement in a terrorist plot connected to Russia’s war against Ukraine, the Colombian National Police confirmed.
