Zelensky imposes sanctions on former press secretary Mendel who echoed Russian propaganda
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a decree implementing a decision by the National Security and Defense Council to impose sanctions on former press secretary Iulia Mendel alongside Russian propagandists and judges. Mendel faced entry restrictions and addressed the European Parliament via X after being targeted for disseminating disinformation and echoing Russian propaganda. Now an outspoken critic of the Kyiv administration, Mendel accused President Zelenskyy and Western allies of blocking peace, while previous reports noted she claimed the president was prepared to transfer Donbas.
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- ✓ Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a decree implementing the decision of the National Security and Defense Council to impose sanctions on Russian propagandists and judges, which targets former press secretary Iulia Mendel.
What changed
President Zelenskyy officially signed the decree enacting the National Security and Defense Council sanctions against Mendel and other targeted individuals.
Live updates
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Zelensky Imposes Sanctions on Former Press Secretary Mendel
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a decree implementing a decision by the National Security and Defense Council to impose sanctions on former press secretary Iulia Mendel alongside Russian propagandists and judges. Mendel faced entry restrictions and addressed the European Parliament via X after being targeted for disseminating disinformation and echoing Russian propaganda. Now an outspoken critic of the Kyiv administration, Mendel accused President Zelenskyy and Western allies of blocking peace, while previous reports noted she claimed the president was prepared to transfer Donbas.
Why it matters
The sanctions mark a sharp escalation between the Ukrainian government and a former insider who now uses foreign platforms to lobby against official policy. Mendel scheduled remarks in Strasbourg alongside Alternative for Germany and Weltwoche figures while facing travel barriers. Her public pushback accuses the current administration of sliding into dictatorship.
What is confirmed
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a decree implementing the decision of the National Security and Defense Council to impose sanctions on Russian propagandists and judges, which targets former press secretary Iulia Mendel.
Still unconfirmed
- Iuliia Mendel argues that the Kyiv leadership and its Western allies stand in the way of peace and that she is the genuine Ukrainian voice to cut through the lies.
- Yulia Mendel claimed that Volodymyr Zelenskyy was allegedly prepared to agree to the transfer of Donbas.
- Mendel argued that the nation must avoid falling into a dictatorship under President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
What to watch next
- Any further international speaking engagements or digital broadcasts by Mendel.
- Official government announcements regarding the full list of individuals targeted under the National Security and Defense Council decree.
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (4)
- www.telegraph.co.uk — Volodymyr Zelenskyy - The Telegraph
- www.yahoo.com — Fact check: Zelensky's former press secretary says she speaks for Ukrainians. Her claims tell a different story
- komersant.ua — Zelenskyy has imposed sanctions on Russian propagandists and ...
- komersant.ua — Scandal over Mendel’s interview: The President’s Office has…
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Zelensky Ex-Press Secretary Mendel Speaks in EU Parliament Despite Ban
Former presidential press secretary Iulia Mendel addressed the European Parliament via social media network X after facing entry restrictions. Mendel was scheduled to deliver remarks regarding peace and diplomacy during an event in Strasbourg alongside Alternative for Germany and Weltwoche figures. The National Security and Defense Council previously targeted Mendel among ten individuals for disseminating disinformation and echoing Russian propaganda. In response to these sanctions and the travel restrictions, Mendel criticized the Ukrainian administration, arguing that the nation must avoid falling into a dictatorship under President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Why it matters
The incident highlights ongoing friction between the Ukrainian government and former officials who criticize wartime policies from abroad. Mendel's platforming alongside European figures from fringe or controversial political groups adds a layer of diplomatic tension. The clash underscores Kyiv's aggressive stance against individuals accused of spreading narratives aligned with Russian propaganda during the ongoing conflict.
What is confirmed
- Iuliia Mendel is the former press secretary of Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
- Mendel was barred from entering the European Parliament after being targeted by Ukrainian sanctions.
- Mendel reported on the social network X that she still spoke in the European Parliament.
What to watch next
- Further European Parliament reactions to Mendel's remote or in-person statements
- Official statements from Kyiv regarding Mendel's continued public appearances abroad
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (2)
- eadaily.com — Mendel tried to shut her mouth, but she still spoke in the European Parliament
- brusselssignal.eu — Zelensky’s former press secretary barred from European Parliament after criticism of his policies
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Sanctions prevent Iulia Mendel from entering European Parliament
Former presidential press secretary Iulia Mendel was barred from entering the European Parliament, an action she attributes to sanctions imposed by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Mendel is one of 10 individuals targeted by the National Security and Defense Council for spreading disinformation. While authorities claim she echoed Russian propaganda, Mendel has criticized the Ukrainian government, stating the country does not need a dictatorship under Zelenskyy.
Why it matters
The sanctions target a mix of Ukrainians and Russians accused of disinformation campaigns. Some reports specifically link Mendel to baseless claims regarding drug use by the president.
What is confirmed
- President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the National Security and Defense Council sanctioned Iulia Mendel.
- Mendel is part of a group of 10 Ukrainians and Russians accused of spreading disinformation.
Still unconfirmed
- Iulia Mendel claims her exclusion from the European Parliament resulted from Zelenskyy's sanctions.
- Mendel accused Zelenskyy of leading a dictatorship.
- Authorities claim Mendel echoed Russian propaganda.
- Reports state Mendel accused Zelenskyy of drug use without evidence.
What to watch next
- Official confirmation from European Parliament security regarding the reason for Mendel's exclusion
- Legal challenges by Mendel against the National Security and Defense Council sanctions
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (2)
- www.covers.com — Next Trump Press Secretary Prediction Market: Anna Kelly Retains Lead Despite Maria Bartiromo’s Price Jump
- www.yahoo.com — Zelensky's sanctioned former press secretary barred from entering European Parliament
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Zelenskyy Sanctions Former Press Secretary Yuliia Mendel
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the National Security and Defense Council have imposed sanctions on former presidential press secretary Yuliia Mendel. The measures target Mendel as part of a larger group of 10 Ukrainians and Russians accused of spreading disinformation. Authorities claim Mendel echoed Russian propaganda, while other reports specify she accused Zelenskyy of drug use without evidence. Mendel has responded by claiming Ukraine does not need the dictatorship of Zelenskyy. These sanctions coincide with broader Ukrainian actions against Russian shadow fleet vessels and Rostec enterprises.
Why it matters
Mendel previously served as a high-ranking spokesperson for the Ukrainian presidency before becoming a critic of the administration. The move highlights the government's crackdown on internal dissent and foreign-aligned disinformation during the ongoing conflict.
What is confirmed
- President Zelenskyy imposed sanctions on former press secretary Yuliia Mendel.
- The National Security and Defense Council implemented the sanctions against Mendel.
- Zelenskyy sanctioned 10 Ukrainians and Russians over alleged disinformation.
- Ukraine sanctioned 20 vessels of Russia's shadow fleet and enterprises of the Rostec corporation.
Still unconfirmed
- Mendel accused Zelenskyy of having a drug habit.
What to watch next
- Further identification of the other individuals sanctioned for disinformation.
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (13)
- The Kyiv Independent — Zelensky imposes sanctions on former press secretary Mendel who echoed Russian propaganda
- Reuters — Ukraine's Zelenskiy imposes sanctions on former press secretary
- pravda.com.ua — Former presidential spokeswoman Mendel on sanctions against her: Ukraine does not need Zelenskyy's dictatorsh
- Межа. Новини України. — Zelenskyy Sanctions 10 Ukrainians and Russians Over Alleged Disinformation, Including Former Spokesperson Yuliia Mendel
- ua.news — The National Security and Defense Council imposed sanctions on Yulia Mendel, Zelenskyy's former press secretary
- unn.ua — Ukraine has imposed sanctions on 20 vessels of russia’s shadow fleet, enterprises of the Rostec corporation, and propagandists
- Українська правда — Zelenskyy sanctions former press secretary Mendel
- АНТИКОР — Zelenskyy imposed sanctions against 20 ships of Russia’s “shadow fleet” and Rostec companies
- Інтент — Zelenskyy signed sanctions against an institution in Feodosia
- ft.com — Zelenskyy imposes sanctions on former aide turned critic
- Inbox.lv — Search for missing Belgian hillwalker who disappeared in the Scottish Highlands
- The Telegraph — Zelensky sanctions press secretary who accused him of using drugs
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