# Fact check: Zelensky’s former press secretary says she speaks for Ukrainians. Her claims tell a different story

https://mins.news/en/item/64371

- The Kyiv Independent, 2026-09-18 14:09 UTC
- Politics
- Original: https://kyivindependent.com/fact-check-zelenskys-former-press-secretary-says-she-speaks-for-ukrainians-her-claims-tell-a-different-story/

> Former Zelensky press secretary Iuliia Mendel says Kyiv and its Western allies are blocking peace and presents herself as an authentic Ukrainian voice. A fact check finds that her account manipulates the roles of Russia, Ukraine, and the West in negotiations, downplays Kyiv’s efforts to end the war, and includes distortions, hyperbole, and half-truths. Her planned European Parliament appearance was also blocked.

## Stories

- [Russia Ukraine War and European Support](https://mins.news/en/topic/russia-ukraine-war-european-support) — Markdown: https://mins.news/en/topic/russia-ukraine-war-european-support.md

## Related coverage

- [Former spokeswoman: Kyiv must end conflict to preserve Ukraine](https://mins.news/en/item/64278) — TASS, 2026-09-18
- [Zelenskyy says Ukraine is “ready for energy ceasefire” with Russia](https://mins.news/en/video/61007) — CBS News, 2026-09-16