Yulia Mendel criticizes Zelenskyy’s war strategy and calls for peace negotiations

Yulia Mendel, a former spokesperson for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has emerged as a vocal critic of his leadership and wartime strategy. In recent interviews, including with The Telegraph, Mendel has characterized Zelenskyy’s approach as ‘national suicide’ and suggested he bears significant responsibility for the ongoing conflict, proposing a split of responsibility between him and Vladimir Putin at approximately 40% to 60%.

Mendel argues that Ukraine should consider territorial concessions, including the Donbas region, and abandon ambitions for NATO membership to achieve peace. She has also criticized Western leaders for failing to engage sufficiently with Moscow.

Ukrainian officials have responded to her rhetoric by imposing sanctions on Mendel in September, citing the spread of ‘disinformation and Russian propaganda’ and support for Russia’s aggressive policies. While Mendel denies being a Russian agent or a traitor, describing such accusations as ‘ridiculous,’ critics within Ukraine suggest her statements align with Russian efforts to undermine Western military and financial support for Kyiv.