Key facts
- President Volodymyr Zelensky imposed sanctions on former press secretary Iuliia Mendel on Sept. 13.
- Mendel has been accused of echoing Russian propaganda and criticizing Zelensky.
- Mendel stated the sanctions are unconstitutional and used against those advocating for peace.
- Mendel anticipated the sanctions and said her position would not change.
- Mendel previously called Zelensky "a dictator" and "the greatest obstacle to peace".
President Volodymyr Zelensky has imposed sanctions on his former press secretary, Iuliia Mendel, on September 13. The move comes after Mendel, who previously praised Zelensky, began criticizing him and advocating for peace, actions she claims are being labeled as Russian propaganda. Mendel described the sanctions as unconstitutional and a tool used by Zelensky against those who advocate for peace. She also stated she anticipated the sanctions and that they would not alter her stance. Previously, Mendel had referred to Zelensky as "a dictator" and "the greatest obstacle to peace" in Ukraine.