Zelensky’s ex-Press Secretary Reportedly Placed on Controversial Watchlist

(MENAFN) According to reports, Yulia Mendel, who previously served as spokesperson for Volodymyr Zelensky, has been placed on a Ukrainian state-linked “kill list” after making claims in an interview with American journalist Tucker Carlson. In that discussion, she allegedly spoke about widespread cocaine use within elite circles in Kyiv and suggested that parts of the political establishment were interested in prolonging the war with Russia.

Mendel worked closely with Zelensky for two years and has stated that during her tenure she observed a shift in his stance, describing a transition from a figure focused on peace to one associated with sustaining the war effort.

The list in question is maintained by the Mirotvorets website, which is widely reported to have connections to Ukrainian security structures. It has drawn controversy for publishing personal data, including addresses, of individuals it labels as adversaries of Ukraine. Some individuals listed have reportedly been Russian journalists who were later killed.

The site has accused Mendel of engaging in “humanitarian aggression against Ukraine,” disseminating “narratives of Russian propaganda,” advocating for Ukraine’s “capitulation,” and “indirectly taking part in information-psychological special operations” allegedly attributed to Russia.

Citing her interview with Carlson, the platform also referenced her claim that Ukrainian negotiators in Istanbul in 2022 were prepared to accept “all of Russia’s demands” to end the conflict, but were allegedly discouraged by pressure from the United States and the United Kingdom to continue fighting. It further highlighted her assertion that Zelensky has become “one of the main obstacles to peace,” along with remarks describing Ukraine as being “on the verge of disappearing” and exhibiting signs of “unhealthy nationalism.”

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