Ukraine’s Zelensky imposes sanctions on former press secretary
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Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused a former press secretary, who’s worked with him before the war, of spreading Russian propaganda.
PHOTO: AFP
KYIV - Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky imposed sanctions on a former press secretary on Sept 13, accusing her and nine others of spreading Russian propaganda and of supporting Russia’s aggressive policy toward Ukraine.
Yuliia Mendel — who worked with Zelensky from 2019 to 2021, before Russia’s invasion — responded with a message on Facebook saying it was unconstitutional to impose sanctions on Ukrainian citizens. She did not comment on the specific accusations.
Mendel has given interviews criticising Zelensky’s record since 2025, when a number of members of the president’s inner circle became embroiled in corruption scandals. The suspects have denied the charges that have not been tested in court.
The sanctions — announced by Zelensky in a decree — would last for 10 years and included asset freezes and restrictions on trade, the document read.
They were an unusual measure to use against a former member of staff, though they have been used against political figures.
In 2025, Ukraine imposed sanctions on former president and opposition politician Petro Poroshenko, including an asset freeze and a ban on withdrawing capital from the country, for what the domestic spy agency said were “national security” reasons.
The order on Sept 13 “imposes restrictions on 10 Russian and Ukrainian individuals who spread disinformation and Russian propaganda and support Russia’s aggressive policy toward Ukraine. Yuliia Mendel is among those sanctioned,” the presidency said in a statement.
Mendel, Zelensky’s first press secretary after he became president, wrote on Facebook that she had been expecting the move.
“Sanctions against Ukrainian citizens are unconstitutional, as are many of Zelensky’s other decisions,” she added. “Volodymyr Zelensky is imposing them on anyone who advocates for peace in Ukraine.” REUTERS