Zelensky imposes sanctions against his former press secretary

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has imposed sanctions against his former press secretary, Yulia Mendel, including her in a list of ten Ukrainian and Russian citizens accused of spreading disinformation and Russian propaganda. The reason was Mendel's interview with American journalist Tucker Carlson in May 2026, in which she called Zelensky a "dictator" and an "obstacle to peace," and also, without evidence, claimed he used drugs.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has imposed sanctions against his former press secretary, Yulia Mendel. She was included in a list of ten Ukrainian and Russian citizens whom the authorities accuse of spreading disinformation and Russian propaganda. The scandal began in May 2026 after Mendel's interview with American journalist Tucker Carlson. In it, she called Zelensky a "dictator" and an "obstacle to peace," and also, without evidence, claimed he used drugs and was ready to abandon Donbas. The Ukrainian presidential office responded that Mendel did not participate in negotiations or decision-making. Formally, Zelensky dismissed Mendel on July 9, 2021. Mendel herself claimed she requested resignation due to deteriorating health and the completion of her tasks.