Yulia Mendel, Zelensky’s former press secretary, accused of treason
Yulia Mendel, Zelensky’s former press secretary, accused of treason
Ukraine’s Prosecutor General’s Office announced that Mendel had been notified of suspicion. In addition to treason, she is suspected of justifying Russia’s armed aggression against Ukraine.
According to investigators, Mendel used her public profile and professional experience to spread narratives favorable to Russia and aimed at discrediting Ukraine.
The materials underpinning the suspicion include Mendel’s public statements on social media and in foreign media, including an interview with American journalist Tucker Carlson. The Prosecutor General’s Office claims that Russian propaganda actively used her statements.
Yulia Mendel worked with Volodymyr Zelensky from 2019 to 2021. In a May 2026 interview with Carlson (which we summarized), she sharply criticized her former boss.
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A Former Spokesperson's Words Face Prosecutors
Mendel is suspected of treason and justifying Russian aggression.
Prosecutors are now reviewing the former spokesperson's words.