Former Zelenskyy Spokesperson Iuliia Mendel Suspected of High Treason

Reform.news Editorial Team · 3 November 2026, 19:43

https://reform.news/en/former-zelenskyy-spokesperson-iuliia-mendel-suspected-of-high-treason/

Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) and the Office of the Prosecutor General have formally notified Iuliia Mendel, former spokesperson for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, of suspicion in absentia.

The charges fall under two articles: high treason committed under martial law and justification, recognition of the legitimacy of, or denial of Russia’s armed aggression against Ukraine.

“As a result of comprehensive measures and relevant expert examinations, it was established that in her public statements and social media posts, Mendel discredits Ukraine on the international stage and also justifies the Kremlin regime and the full-scale war it launched against our country,” the SBU reported.

The Office of the Prosecutor General believes that Mendel used her public profile to spread narratives beneficial to Russia.

The case file includes Mendel’s public statements in foreign media and on social media. In particular, during an interview with US journalist Tucker Carlson, she said: “I believe Ukraine is on the verge of disappearing” and “You see, my nation is degenerating.”

The investigation is being conducted by the SBU’s Main Investigative Directorate under the procedural supervision of the Office of the Prosecutor General.

Iuliia Mendel served as spokesperson for the President of Ukraine from June 2019 to July 2021.