May aware of interpreter Russian spy reports

THERESA May has said she is aware of reports that an interpreter for Ukraine’s prime minister who was photographed with her in Downing Street has been arrested on suspicion of being a Russian spy.

The Security Service of Ukraine said they arrested the official, named in reports as Stanislav Yezhov, for acting “in the interests” of the “aggressor” after being recruited by Russian intelligence agencies.

Mr Yezhov reportedly accompanied Ukrainian PM Volodymyr Groysman on a visit to London in July, and was photographed with his boss and Mrs May in Number 10.

Asked about the arrest during a press conference in Poland, Mrs May said: “I’m aware of the reports in relation to the Ukrainian individual who attended Downing Street earlier in the summer.

“The action that’s been taken is a matter for the Ukrainian authorities.”

Ukraine’s security service said Mr Yezhov acted “on the orders” of Russia to collect information “about the activities of government structures”, with the help of “special equipment”.

Mr Yezhov’s home and workplace are now being searched by Ukrainian security services, they indicated.

The revelation came as Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson travelled to Moscow for a meeting with Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov today.

Mrs May attacked Russia for “weaponising information” as she announced a UK-Poland defence treaty. “The Kremlin is seeking to undermine the international rulesbased system, and it will not succeed,” she said.