Ex-Zelenskyy Spokeswoman Accuses President of Exploiting War to Extend Rule

In one of the most pointed critiques from a figure once at the center of Ukrainian power, Yulia Mendel — former spokesperson for President Volodymyr Zelenskyy — leveled a series of allegations against the Ukrainian leader.

Mendel stated that Zelenskyy has transformed the war into a mechanism for remaining in office, that corruption has spread across his inner circle, and that democracy is eroding while Ukraine’s demographic crisis intensifies.

In an interview with the French newspaper Le Journal du Dimanche, Mendel urged Western countries to push for an end to the war, asserting that its continuation benefits only a narrow group of beneficiaries while Ukrainians bear the heaviest cost.

From Presidential Voice to Leading Critic

Mendel began by emphasizing that during her tenure as Zelenskyy’s spokesperson, she was “one of his strongest defenders,” clarifying that an official spokesperson conveys the president’s positions — not personal views.

She said her doubts about Zelenskyy’s performance began as early as 2021, citing what she described as his “lack of political experience” and “strained relations” with former U.S. President Joe Biden and several European leaders.

She acknowledged that the outbreak of war temporarily shifted her perspective, particularly after Zelenskyy’s decision to remain in Kyiv. Yet she identified mid-2022 as a turning point, when, according to her account, she began uncovering “corruption mechanisms and manipulation,” alongside growing media censorship and declining democratic practices.

Allegations of War Exploitation

Mendel contends that Zelenskyy has become “the greatest beneficiary of the war,” arguing that the ongoing conflict enabled him to stay in power following the suspension of elections. She also accused individuals close to him of profiting from billions of euros in European Union aid.

On corruption issues, she referenced investigations targeting figures near the president — notably businessman Timur Mendich — and stressed that the volume of accusations against those in Zelenskyy’s orbit raises questions about his political responsibility, even if no direct evidence implicates him personally.

Ukraine’s Shift Toward Authoritarian Rule

The former spokesperson asserted that freedoms in Ukraine are contracting, citing the mandatory conscription system, which she said has involved cases of forced detention and violations against civilians. She added that the erosion of public trust in state institutions has affected Ukrainians’ willingness to continue fighting.

Mendel affirmed that, in her estimation, many Ukrainians no longer support Zelenskyy, and those who do are largely either beneficiaries of the current system or employees of state institutions.

Western Responsibility and Strategic Calculus

Mendel assigned partial responsibility to Western nations, stating that continued support for Zelenskyy is tied to political and economic calculations — particularly because a substantial portion of military aid ultimately flows to European defense industry companies.

She warned that assessing the war solely through a military gains lens overlooks the reality endured by civilians, underscoring that Ukraine is losing population, economic capacity, and democratic foundations — even if Russia suffers parallel losses.

Demographic Collapse Warning

Mendel cautioned against Ukraine’s sharp population decline, noting the country had approximately 52 million people at independence in 1991, while current estimates suggest the figure may not exceed 25 million due to war, emigration, falling birth rates, and rising mortality.

She highlighted deteriorating education conditions, citing data indicating that a large share of children in Kharkiv face reading difficulties, and characterized the war as threatening Ukraine’s future across all dimensions.

Call for War Termination

Mendel concluded her interview by calling on the West to act toward ending the war, maintaining that its continuation will not produce victory for either side but will instead deepen human losses.

She invoked Finland’s post-war approach following its conflict with the Soviet Union, stating that preserving the state and its people may be more vital than reclaiming all territory.

Mendel rejected accusations labeling her as pro-Russian, insisting that her criticism of Ukrainian authorities does not signify support for Moscow but reflects, in her words, her concern for Ukraine’s future.