Zelenskiy freezes assets of former press secretary over propaganda claims
Ukrainian president imposes decade-long sanctions on Yuliia Mendel, his former spokeswoman, for spreading Russian propaganda.
President Volodymyr Zelenskiy sanctioned Yuliia Mendel, his press secretary from 2019 to 2021. Zelenskiy accused her and nine others of spreading Russian propaganda.
Zelenskiy said they backed Russia's aggressive policy. The 10-year sanctions include freezing assets and trade restrictions.
Yuliia Mendel responded on Facebook. She called the move unconstitutional.
She said Zelenskiy is targeting anyone who calls for peace. Mendel has given interviews since last year.
She has criticized Zelenskiy's record. Members of his inner circle became caught up in corruption scandals.
The move echoes 2025, when Ukraine sanctioned former president Petro Poroshenko. That was also for alleged national security violations.
Courts have not tested any of these charges.
- 2019 to 2021
- Tenure
- 10 years
- Sanction duration
- 10 individuals including Mendel
- People sanctioned
Why it mattersZelenskiy is using sanctions against domestic critics, a tool usually reserved for wartime action against enemy states. This raises questions about dissent and due process during the conflict.
AustraliaNo direct Australian effect. The story reflects how war shapes how Ukraine governs dissent.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 23 d ago
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