The Security Service of Ukraine and the Office of the Prosecutor General have notified former presidential press secretary Yuliia Mendel in absentia of suspicion of treason and justification of Russian aggression. As she is currently outside Ukraine, law enforcement agencies said further measures are being taken to bring her to justice.
This was reported by the Security Service of Ukraine and the Office of the Prosecutor General.
According to the investigation, Mendel used her public profile and experience in government communications to spread information narratives that law enforcement agencies consider beneficial to Russia and aimed at discrediting Ukraine and weakening international support for the country.
The materials forming the basis of the suspicion include her public statements in foreign media and on social networks.
In particular, in an interview with American journalist Tucker Carlson, she said: “I believe Ukraine is on the verge of disappearing” and “You see, my nation is degrading.”
According to the Office of the Prosecutor General, Mendel also claimed that Ukraine lacked democracy and freedom of speech, spoke of a “country full of bans,” and compared the situation to the Soviet Union.
Prosecutors said that on Facebook she also spread claims about alleged benefits from the continuation of the war, political patronage, propaganda and persecution of dissenters.
According to investigators, these statements were subsequently used by Russian state and pro-Kremlin media in their materials.
As part of the investigation, forensic examinations were conducted. According to the prosecution, experts found signs of destructive information and psychological influence in Mendel’s statements, allegedly aimed at harming Ukraine’s state and information security.
Investigators believe such materials could create an impression among international audiences that Ukraine does not deserve further support and that its leadership is an obstacle to achieving peace.
Mendel is suspected under Part 2 of Article 111 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine — treason committed under martial law — as well as Parts 2 and 3 of Article 436-2, concerning justification, recognition as lawful or denial of Russia’s armed aggression against Ukraine and glorification of its participants.
The suspicion was announced in absentia. The pre-trial investigation is being conducted by the Main Investigation Department of the Security Service of Ukraine under the procedural supervision of the Office of the Prosecutor General.
Under Article 62 of the Constitution of Ukraine, a person is presumed innocent until their guilt is proven in accordance with the law and established by a court conviction.
