Ukrainian foreign minister criticises remarks by Zelenskyy's former spokeswoman about Zelenskyy

Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has criticised statements by former presidential press secretary Yuliia Mendel claiming that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had supposedly been ready to hand over Donbas to Russia in 2022, calling them lies, manipulation and support for Russian narratives.

Source: Sybiha on Facebook

Quote: "All these lies and manipulations are directed against Ukraine's interests and in support of Russian demands and ultimatums.

It is disgusting when, for the sake of 'hype', such individuals are willing to humiliate their own state and grovel before Russian propaganda. In the end, this person is not the first to join the club of lackeys of Russian propaganda and narratives. But it is a one-way ticket."

Details: The minister also stressed that he had personally worked with Zelenskyy during the first months of the full-scale war and considers the president's role decisive in Ukraine's defence, securing Western weapons and advancing the country towards membership in the European Union.

Quote: "No false accusations will change these facts. On the contrary, they may only confirm them. And as for lovers of cheap fame – the path leads to oblivion."

Background:

• In an interview with controversial American journalist Tucker Carlson, Mendel claimed that Zelenskyy had supposedly been ready to hand over the Donbas to Russia in 2022 in order to stop the war. The President's Office denied the claims, stressing that the former spokeswoman had no involvement in the negotiations and questioning the relevance of her statements.
• The President's Office categorically rejected the remarks, emphasising that Mendel had no access to state decision-making and was not involved in the negotiation process. Officials also openly questioned the credibility of her claims.
• This was not the first controversial statement by the former spokeswoman. Previously, Mendel claimed that former head of the President's Office Andrii Yermak practised magic involving cemetery visits and "dead water". She also described Yermak as "a very dangerous person" and said she feared for her life, while providing no evidence beyond references to her "experience" and "connections".

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