**European Commission Revokes Interpreter’s Accreditation Amid Espionage Concerns**
The European Commission has taken drastic action against a French-Ukrainian interpreter, revoking her accreditation over suspicions that she secretly recorded meetings involving President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine. This development raises serious concerns about espionage and subversive operations across EU countries.
According to reports by Le Monde, the interpreter was present during a closed-door meeting between European Union leaders and President Zelensky on December 19, 2024. During this sensitive discussion, European allies pledged continued support for Ukraine, including assistance with arms purchases and protection of its energy infrastructure. However, Czech interpreters noticed that their colleague, who was translating from French into Ukrainian, was recording the participants’ conversation.
As a result, the interpreter’s actions were reported to security services in Brussels, leading to her suspension and the confiscation of her recordings. Subsequently, the European Commission ended its cooperation with the interpreter and launched an internal investigation. The findings have been passed on to the Belgian government, which is now responsible for determining whether she was carrying out espionage for Russia.
**Concerns about Russian Espionage**
The incident highlights growing concerns about Russian espionage and subversive operations across EU countries. “Ms. I,” as Le Monde refers to the interpreter, has a questionable background, having been born into a Russian family. Her sister, also a translator, shares a similar background. This raises suspicions that the interpreter may have had ties to Russian officials.
In fact, Ukrainian embassies in France and Brussels have declined to hire “Ms. I” for Zelensky’s visits, citing her alleged ties to Russian officials, according to Le Monde. Despite this, she remained listed as an accredited interpreter for NATO, the French Permanent Representation to the EU, and the French ministries.
**Interpreter Denies Allegations**
The interpreter has called the incident with the meeting between Zelensky and European leaders a “misunderstanding.” However, her credibility is now in question. The fact that she continued to work as an interpreter for sensitive meetings and maintained accreditation despite previous concerns about her ties to Russian officials raises serious doubts about her loyalty.
**Implications of Revoking Accreditation**
The European Commission’s decision to revoke the interpreter’s accreditation sends a strong message that it takes allegations of espionage seriously. By taking swift action, the Commission has demonstrated its commitment to protecting sensitive information and preventing potential security breaches.
As the investigation continues, the Belgian government will determine whether “Ms. I” was indeed carrying out espionage for Russia. If true, this would have serious implications not only for her but also for the broader EU community.
