Former Zelensky press secretary Yuliia Mendel suspected of state treason over statements on Russia’s war
Ukrainian authorities have notified former presidential press secretary Yuliia Mendel in absentia of suspected state treason and justification of Russia’s armed aggression against Ukraine. The case is based on her public statements and social-media posts, which authorities say sought to discredit Ukraine and weaken international support for the country.
Key points
- The notification was issued on November 3, 2026, while Mendel was outside Ukraine.
- Mendel is suspected under Part 2 of Article 111 of Ukraine’s Criminal Code, covering treason in wartime.
- She is also suspected under Parts 2 and 3 of Article 436-2 concerning justification of Russian aggression and glorification of its participants.
- The case relies on her statements in foreign media and social networks, including an interview with Tucker Carlson and Facebook posts.
- Court-ordered examinations found signs of destructive information-psychological influence in her statements.
- SBU investigators are handling the pre-trial investigation under the procedural supervision of the Office of the General Prosecutor.
- Zelenskyy put sanctions against Mendel into effect on September 13, 2026.
Why it matters
The case alleges that a former senior presidential communicator used her public profile and communications expertise to undermine Ukraine’s international standing and justify Russian aggression. It also raises questions about accountability for information activity during the war and expands scrutiny beyond formal government institutions.
What happened
The Security Service of Ukraine and the Office of the General Prosecutor notified Yuliia Mendel in absentia on November 3 of suspected state treason and justification of Russia’s armed aggression against Ukraine. The alleged offenses fall under Part 2 of Article 111 and Parts 2 and 3 of Article 436-2 of Ukraine’s Criminal Code. Investigators are relying on her public statements in foreign media and social networks, including an interview with Tucker Carlson and Facebook posts. Court-ordered examinations found signs of destructive information-psychological influence. Because Mendel is outside Ukraine, investigators are taking steps to secure accountability. The Security Service says her statements sought to discredit Ukraine internationally and justify the Kremlin regime and the full-scale war. The prosecution alleges that her messaging was intended to weaken continued international support for Ukraine and increase disillusionment and demotivation within the country.
How Ukrainian sources describe it
Ukrainian coverage emphasizes the legal basis of the notification, the alleged effects of Mendel’s statements on international support and domestic morale, her use of communications expertise and the reuse of her remarks in Russian propaganda. Reports also highlight her former position as Zelenskyy’s press secretary, the use of an in-absentia notification while she is abroad and the sanctions imposed against her.
Where reporting differs
Mendel denies cooperating with Russia and says the suspicion resulted from her criticism of Zelenskyy’s circle, her statements about the absence of freedom of speech and alleged political persecution in Ukraine. The authorities instead characterize her public statements and posts as efforts to discredit Ukraine and justify the Kremlin regime and Russia’s war.
Background
Yuliia Mendel served as president Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s press secretary from June 2019 to July 2021. Her case is based on public remarks in foreign media and social networks, notably the Tucker Carlson interview and Facebook posts. The investigation is conducted by investigators of the Security Service of Ukraine’s Main Investigation Department under the procedural supervision of the Office of the General Prosecutor. Zelenskyy put sanctions against Mendel into effect on September 13, 2026.