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5 clusters · 32 sources · 34 days · First seen · Last updated

Sanctions against Yulia Mendel

Overview

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy imposed ten-year sanctions on several individuals, including former press secretary Yulia Mendel, accusing them of spreading Russian propaganda and disinformation. The sanctions involve asset freezes and restrictions on commercial transactions. Mendel has challenged the legality of these measures, describing them as “unconstitutional” and an attempt to silence peace advocates.

Following these sanctions, Mendel was barred from entering the European Parliament in Strasbourg, where she was scheduled to be a keynote speaker for an event organized by German Alternative for Germany (AfD) MEP Hans Neuhoff. Although denied entry, Mendel delivered her speech virtually via videoconference. During her address, Mendel raised concerns regarding the political climate and demographic stability in Ukraine, describing a “fragile democracy” where peace proponents face significant pressure. She highlighted a sharp increase in legal proceedings related to national security, noting that while 73 people were convicted of such crimes in 2015, there have been over 1,000 arrests and 3,500 proceedings related to treason in 2025. Mendel also cited a Gallup poll indicating that 66 percent of Ukrainians desire peace as soon as possible.

In September 2026, Mendel escalated her criticism of the Ukrainian leadership in an interview with Die Weltwoche. She accused Zelenskyy of betrayal and of demanding a propaganda system similar to that of Joseph Goebbels. In October 2026, Mendel expanded her critique in an interview with The Telegraph, characterizing Zelenskyy’s wartime strategy as “national suicide.” She proposed a split of responsibility for the conflict between Zelenskyy and Vladimir Putin at approximately 40% to 60%, and argued that Ukraine should consider territorial concessions, such as the Donbas, and abandon NATO ambitions to achieve peace. While Mendel denies being a Russian agent, calling such accusations “ridiculous,” critics suggest her rhetoric aligns with Russian efforts to undermine Western support for Kyiv.

Entities

Volodymyr Zelenskyy · Yulia Mendel · Ukraine · Russia · European Parliament

Timeline

  1. [POLITICS] 2 sources
    Yulia Mendel criticizes Zelenskyy’s war strategy and calls for peace negotiations

    Former Ukrainian presidential spokesperson Yulia Mendel has criticized President Zelenskyy’s war strategy, calling for territorial concessions and NATO abandonment amid accusations of spreading Russian-aligned'

  2. [POLITICS] 2 sources
    Yulia Mendel accuses Volodymyr Zelenskyy of betrayal and propaganda demands

    Former Ukrainian press secretary Yulia Mendel has accused President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of betrayal and demanding a Goebbels-style propaganda system to mask political realities.

  3. [INTERNATIONAL] 3 sources
    Julia Mendel warns of political pressure in Ukraine

    Former Ukrainian spokesperson Julia Mendel warns of political pressure on peace advocates and reports being sanctioned by President Zelenskyy, preventing her from speaking at the European Parliament.

  4. [INTERNATIONAL] 10 sources
    Yulia Mendel barred from European Parliament

    Former Ukrainian spokesperson Yulia Mendel was denied entry to the European Parliament in Strasbourg, an incident she attributes to recent sanctions imposed by President Zelensky.

  5. [INTERNATIONAL] 15 sources
    Zelensky imposes sanctions on former press secretary Yulia Mendel

    President Zelensky imposed ten-year sanctions on ten individuals, including former press secretary Yulia Mendel, for allegedly spreading Russian propaganda and disinformation.

Sources

actualidad.rt.com · adevarul.ro · alethonews.com · archive.in.gr · businessdaily.gr · capital.gr · cnn.gr · compact-online.de · dete.gr · diario-octubre.com · globalpolitics.se · goniec.net · grtimes.gr · hetek.hu · journalistenwatch.com · karar.com · naftemporiki.gr · newsit.gr · parapolitika.gr · politika.rs · porandalucialibre.es · powergame.gr · report24.news · Reporter.gr · sbctv.gr · tanea.gr · thepressroom.gr · upday.com · vesti.bg · wojna.co.pl · ziarulnational.md · zougla.gr

This summary has been updated 3 times: see revision history