- Zelensky imposed sanctions on his former press secretary, Yuliia Mendel, on Sept. 13, accusing her of spreading Russian propaganda and supporting Russia's aggressive policy toward Ukraine.
- The sanctions will last for 10 years and include asset freezes and restrictions on trade, as stated in Zelensky's decree.
- Mendel responded on social media, stating that the sanctions are unconstitutional and expressing her expectation of such a move.
- Mendel served as Zelensky's press secretary from 2019 to 2021 and has recently criticized him publicly.
- In May, Mendel appeared on Tucker Carlson's podcast, where she criticized Zelensky, calling him a dictator and the greatest obstacle to peace in Ukraine.
- Mendel was invited to speak at a sideline event organized by Germany's far-right AfD party, which has previously criticized military support for Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky imposed sanctions on his former press secretary Yuliia Mendel on September 13, accusing her of spreading Russian propaganda and supporting Russia's aggressive policies toward Ukraine. The sanctions, which will last for 10 years, include asset freezes and trade restrictions.12
The presidential decree targets ten individuals, including Mendel, who served as Zelensky's press secretary from 2019 to 2021. The presidency stated that the sanctions are aimed at those who disseminate disinformation and support Russian aggression.
Mendel responded on Facebook, asserting that the sanctions are unconstitutional and claiming they are part of a broader pattern of Zelensky's decisions against those advocating for peace. She stated, “Sanctions against Ukrainian citizens are unconstitutional, just like many of Zelensky's other decisions.” Mendel, who has recently echoed Russian propaganda, criticized Zelensky, labeling him a “dictator” and the “greatest obstacle to peace” in Ukraine.346
In her posts, she expressed that she anticipated the sanctions, stating, “This does not change my position.” Mendel's recent activities include speaking at an event organized by Germany's far-right AfD party, which has previously criticized military and financial support for Ukraine. Her comments have drawn significant attention, especially following her interview with U.S. far-right podcaster Tucker Carlson, where she openly criticized Zelensky.
The sanctions reflect ongoing tensions within Ukraine regarding dissent and the government's approach to handling criticism amid the ongoing conflict with Russia.
“Mendel, who served as Zelensky's press secretary from 2019 to 2021, faces a 10-year sanction package including asset freezes and loss of state awards. She had been invited to speak at an AfD sideline event and previously appeared on Tucker Carlson's podcast, where she called Zelensky 'a dictator.'”
