Zelensky's former spokesperson demands cession of Donbas and calls president an obstacle to peace

Former presidential press secretary Yulia Mendel delivered sharp criticism of Volodymyr Zelensky in a public interview, calling him the "biggest obstacle on the path to peace". She also called on Kyiv to be ready to cede part of the occupied territories and to review its strategy for joining the North Atlantic Alliance. These statements were made in a piece by the British publication The Telegraph, published on 17 October 2026 by journalist Iona Cleve.

Sharing responsibility for the conflict

Mendel claims that the Ukrainian leader bears the same responsibility for the war as Russian dictator Vladimir Putin. When the journalist questioned the equivalence of these positions, the former spokesperson specified her assessments: in her version, Volodymyr Zelensky is responsible for 40% of the war, while Vladimir Putin is responsible for 60%.

At the same time, Mendel acknowledges that Putin was the initiator of the full-scale invasion. However, the focus of her criticism has shifted to internal decisions by the Ukrainian authorities. The Telegraph notes that the narrative of shared Kyiv responsibility for the war is a typical element of Russian disinformation, aimed at reducing Western partners' support for Ukraine.

Respondents from the Office of the President of Ukraine told the publication that Mendel never had access to strategic decisions or information on the course of hostilities. The Office called her statements a reflection of personal fantasies and the interests of those who finance her stay in the US and Europe.

Demands for territorial concessions and criticism of the political system

The former presidential spokesperson insists on the need to cede Donbas and other temporarily occupied territories. She also questions the relevance of the course towards NATO membership, stating: "Ми не можемо продовжувати вмирати [у цій війні] за саму гіпотетичну ідею вступу до НАТО" (We cannot continue to die [in this war] for the very hypothetical idea of joining NATO).

Mendel criticised the decision not to hold elections during martial law, calling the Ukrainian political system an autocracy. It should be noted, however, that the current Constitution of Ukraine prohibits the holding of presidential elections during a period of martial law. The Telegraph emphasises that Zelensky has repeatedly proposed a ceasefire and negotiations, while Russia is making demands that imply Ukraine ceding part of its territory.

Mendel also expressed support for dialogue with the Russian leadership and approved the readiness of the German far-right party "Alternative for Germany" (AfD) to restore contacts with Moscow.

Reaction to accusations and sanctions

Mendel's public appearances raise suspicions among Ukrainian politicians that her positions may align with Kremlin interests. Previously, she collaborated with American conservative media, including giving an interview to Tucker Carlson, where she accused Zelensky and former Head of the Presidential Office Andriy Yermak. Without providing evidence, she claimed that Zelensky was ready to cede Donbas as early as 2022, and also accused Yermak of practising black magic.

In September 2026, Volodymyr Zelensky imposed sanctions on Mendel, citing the spread of disinformation and Russian propaganda. Mendel herself denies any ties to Russia, claiming that she does not coordinate her views with political forces and does not receive funding from them. "У мене немає жодних зв'язків з росією" (I have no ties with Russia), she emphasised in the interview. The former spokesperson also stated her intention to challenge the sanctions in court.

Context and personal stance

Yulia Mendel worked as a journalist and held the position of presidential press secretary from 2019. In 2021, she left the post, almost ten months before the full-scale invasion. In her book "Боротьба за наші життя" (The Fight for Our Lives), published in 2022, Mendel described Zelensky positively and emphasised the threat from Russia. Her current public stance differs significantly from her earlier views.

Ukrainian society remains divided on the conditions for ending the war and possible compromises. Mendel's statements regarding the president's responsibility for the war, the cession of territories, and NATO prospects are her personal opinion, not established facts.