Zelenskiy Sanctions Former Press Secretary Yuliia Mendel

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy signed a decree on September 13 imposing 10-year sanctions on his former press secretary, Yuliia Mendel, and nine other individuals. The measures, which follow a decision by the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, include asset freezes and trade restrictions. The administration accuses the group of spreading Russian propaganda and disinformation to support Russia's aggressive policies toward Ukraine.

Mendel served as Zelenskiy's press secretary from 2019 to 2021 and has since become a vocal critic of the administration. In a May 2026 interview with Tucker Carlson, she claimed Ukraine was prepared to accept Russian demands during the 2022 Istanbul talks. She has also leveled unsubstantiated allegations of drug use and money laundering against the president and described Presidential Office head Andriy Yermak as a "very dangerous person."

Responding via Facebook, Mendel stated that sanctions against Ukrainian citizens are unconstitutional and argued that Zelenskiy targets those who advocate for peace. While sanctions are common for political figures in Ukraine, the measure is considered unusual for a former staff member. The broader sanctions package also targets Russian shadow fleet vessels and entities linked to the state corporation Rostec.