Yulia Mendel, former press secretary to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has responded to accusations of high treason, describing the criminal proceedings against her as an attack on freedom of speech.
On November 3, Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) and the Prosecutor General’s Office announced that Mendel had been formally notified of suspicion in absentia on charges of high treason under martial law and justification of Russian aggression.
According to investigators, the former presidential spokesperson promoted narratives favorable to Russia through Western media appearances and social media posts. The allegations reportedly include her interview with American journalist Tucker Carlson, in which she criticized the Ukrainian government and raised concerns about democracy and freedom of speech.
Mendel denied any cooperation with Russia.
“If there had actually been cooperation with the Russians, that is exactly what they would have written about… But there was no such cooperation,” she stated.
According to Mendel, Ukrainian authorities are effectively accusing her because Russian propaganda subsequently used her public statements.
“In fact, by bringing these charges, Zelenskyy proved that I was right,” the former presidential spokesperson wrote.
She also noted that she could face between 15 years in prison and life imprisonment, describing it as “the price of freedom of speech and the desire to save Ukraine under Zelenskyy.”
The allegations have not been proven in court. Under Ukrainian law, Mendel is presumed innocent unless and until a court establishes her guilt.
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