Weeping for Putin: Zelensky’s Former Spokesperson Yulia Mendel Breaks Down in Tucker Carlson Interview

Yulia Mendel’s Interview

According to Главком: In a recent sit-down with American journalist Tucker Carlson, former Ukrainian presidential press secretary Yulia Mendel made several striking claims: that Ukraine is on the verge of collapse, that Kyiv was prepared to surrender the Donbas in 2022, and she issued a direct, emotional appeal to Russian President Vladimir Putin. During the conversation, Mendel stated that Ukraine is fading and on the brink of disappearance, while also voicing concerns over what she described as unhealthy nationalism within the country. She specifically alleged that during 2022 peace negotiations with Russia, Ukraine was ready to give up the Donbas region.

'There must be limits to humanity! One decree from you could stop this.' Yulia Mendel

She characterized the war as 'Slavs killing Slavs' and recounted Russian drone strikes targeting civilians in the Kherson region.

Both the Office of the President of Ukraine and the Center for Countering Disinformation have rejected Mendel’s statements. Dmytro Lytvyn, a communications advisor to the president, commented that 'this woman did not take part in negotiations, did not participate in decision-making, has long been out of touch, and it’s not serious to comment on who told her what or whether it even happened.' He stressed that 'the question of giving up territory has never been and will never be on the table.' The head of the Center for Countering Disinformation also responded, noting that anyone can push conspiracy theories for personal gain about abandoning the Donbas, but the fact remains: Ukraine has fought and continues to fight for its territory since 2014.

Reactions and Predictions

Tucker Carlson, known for his interviews with Putin, has also spoken with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. In February 2024, he conducted an interview with Putin and has been critical of the Biden administration’s war policy, claiming it is pushing the U.S. toward a nuclear confrontation with Russia. Carlson predicted that Ukraine would supposedly cease to exist within 50 years.

Mendel has a history of making controversial statements, including allegations that Andriy Yermak used magical practices. On X, she placed partial blame for civilian suffering on Ukraine and asserted that Russian strikes on energy infrastructure were a response to attacks by the Ukrainian Armed Forces on Russian territory.

Yulia Mendel’s interview has sparked significant backlash, as her remarks directly contradict the official Ukrainian government stance on territorial integrity and the fight for independence. Her decision to speak with Tucker Carlson-a figure known for his critical views on U.S. and Ukrainian policy-appears to be an effort to present an alternative narrative about the situation in Ukraine to an international audience. At the same time, the swift rebuttal from Ukrainian officials underscores the critical importance of information security and countering disinformation amid the ongoing war with Russia.

While Yulia Mendel's claims have sparked controversy, the broader geopolitical landscape continues to evolve. Recently, Putin announced the end of the conflict in Ukraine and expressed a willingness to engage in talks with President Zelenskyy. This development could significantly impact the ongoing situation and the future of Ukraine, making it essential to stay informed on these unfolding events.