Kathrine Frich
The interpreter was spotted transcribing sensitive discussions.
The interpreter was spotted transcribing sensitive discussions.
Spying for Russia During Zelensky Meeting
A dramatic scandal has erupted after a NATO-affiliated translator was caught allegedly trying to pass information to Russia during a top-secret European Council meeting.
The accused, a Ukrainian national of Russian origin, was removed from duty and stripped of her credentials.
Caught Red-Handed During Secret Council Talks
The incident reportedly took place on December 19, 2024, during a closed-door European Council session attended by President Volodymyr Zelensky.
According to French daily Le Monde, the interpreter was spotted transcribing sensitive discussions — something strictly forbidden in these settings.
Meeting Focused on Trump, Ukraine, and the War
The meeting addressed major geopolitical concerns, including the impact of Donald Trump’s return to the U.S. presidency and Ukraine’s position in ongoing negotiations.
Zelensky was pushing for transparency and warning against any truce being brokered behind Kyiv’s back.
Security Services Intervened Immediately
It was Czech interpreters who first noticed the suspicious note-taking.
Authorities swiftly intervened, entering the interpreter’s booth, seizing her notes, and removing her from the premises.
She was immediately stripped of her European Council credentials.
European Commission Confirms Incident
The European Commission has since confirmed the event, stating the notes were confiscated and that following a full investigation, cooperation with the translator was terminated.
Officials cited serious breaches of protocol and potential security risks.
Still Listed by NATO Despite Allegations
Shockingly, the woman remains listed as a NATO-accredited interpreter.
The delay in her official removal has triggered further scrutiny of vetting processes within the alliance and raised questions about lingering access to sensitive environments.
Ties to Russia Raise Alarm Bells
The accused interpreter is of Russian descent and reportedly has longstanding ties to Russian nationals.
Both she and her sister — also an interpreter — worked for NATO, the European Commission, and France’s Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Defense.
Ukraine Denies Any Official Ties
Ukrainian embassies in France and Belgium have denied ever employing the translator, pointing instead to her links with Russian individuals.
Officials said her professional affiliations made her ineligible for Ukrainian government work.
Interpreter Denies All Allegations
In a statement to Le Monde, the woman claimed the accusations were groundless and described the incident as a misunderstanding.
She insisted that her continued work for NATO and French institutions proves her innocence.
French Authorities Vow to Investigate Further
France’s intelligence agencies have yet to complete their review of the case, but government officials have promised to draw lessons from the breach.
Questions remain about how such a lapse occurred — and how close Russia came to top-level NATO secrets.
