Ukraine Warupdated 57m ago2 min read
Ukraine’s SBU Accuses Iuliia Mendel of Treason Over Russia-Linked Narratives
“Her declarations represent ‘narratives to Russia’s benefit’ which ‘reinforce disenchantment”
“forensic analyses were conducted, which revealed signs of destructive informational and psychological influence”
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Mendel, Zelensky's former press secretary, notified in absentia of treason accusations. Prosecution alleges she conducted information/subversive activities and justified Russia's war.
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Mendel Treason Suspicions
Ukraine’s Security Service and the Prosecutor General’s Office notified Iuliia Mendel, President Volodymyr Zelensky’s former press secretary, in absentia that she is suspected of treason and of justifying Russia’s armed aggression against Ukraine. The Prosecutor General’s Office said investigators concluded that Mendel used her public profile and experience to spread narratives beneficial to the aggressor state, aimed at discrediting Ukraine and weakening its international support. The SBU and prosecutors tied the case in part to Mendel’s public statements in foreign media and on social media, including an interview with American journalist Tucker Carlson.
The investigation described Mendel’s statements as creating international impressions that Ukraine does not deserve further support and that Ukrainian leadership is an obstacle to peace, and it said forensic analyses found signs of destructive informational and psychological influence. Mendel rejected the allegations, writing on Facebook, "The reason for this suspicion were my public statements in Western media and my posts on social networks".
Carlson Interview at Center
Prosecutors listed Mendel’s interview statements to Tucker Carlson, including "I believe Ukraine is on the verge of disappearing" and "You see, my nation is deteriorating."
The same Interfax-Ukraine account said Mendel told Carlson, "There is no freedom of speech," and it described her comparing restrictions in Ukraine with those in the Soviet Union.
The SBU notified Mendel of suspicion of high treason on Tuesday, Nov. 3, acting jointly with the Prosecutor General’s Office, and it quoted the SBU saying the notice followed "comprehensive measures and relevant expert examinations."
Prosecutors cited Part 2 of Article 111 of Ukraine’s Criminal Code, covering high treason committed under martial law, and it said prosecutors also cited Parts 2 and 3 of Article 436-2.
Mendel’s response to the case emphasized her criticism of Zelenskyy’s circle and freedom of speech, and she told the Kyiv Independent, "The materials on which this suspicion is based are my public statements in Western media and on social media".
Sanctions and Possible Penalties
Zelensky signed Decree No. 901/2026 on Sept. 13, enacting a National Security and Defense Council decision targeting 10 people at the SBU’s request, and it said Mendel was the only Ukrainian citizen on the list.
The restrictions imposed by Kyiv were in effect for at least 10 years and included asset freezes, a trade ban, measures against capital outflows and a ban on entering Ukraine, while it said some measures such as stripping state awards remained indefinite.
The SBU and prosecutor general notified Mendel in absentia and that the charges fall under two articles, including high treason committed under martial law and justifying, recognizing as legitimate or denying Russia’s armed aggression against Ukraine.
Mendel could face 15 years in prison or life imprisonment, with confiscation of property, under those provisions.
Zelensky imposed sanctions on Mendel on Sept. 13, and it quoted Mendel saying, "This is a matter of freedom of speech," as the case moves forward without her presence in Ukraine.