How Iuliia Mendel went from defending Zelensky to echoing Kremlin-friendly narratives
Iuliia Mendel has been all-in in her attempt to discredit her former boss, President Volodymyr Zelensky, calling him "a dictator" and "the greatest obstacle to peace" in Ukraine.
Mendel's transformation is mesmerizing.
Just four years after publishing a book heaping praise on Zelensky, the former press secretary appeared on right-wing U.S. podcaster Tucker Carlson's show on May 11, speaking on how her home country is corrupt, the president may be a drug addict, and speculated that he was willing to give up Ukrainian territory during the full-scale war.
For many Ukrainians — including longtime vocal critics of Zelensky — the interview was seen as extremely damaging to Ukraine's cause.
"Pretending to be the 'insider,' when no longer witnessing peace negotiations, she promoted (on Carlson's show) serious allegations blaming Ukraine and Western partners for sabotaging peace," disinformation researcher Alyona Hurkivska told the Kyiv Independent.
Mendel's transformation is mesmerizing.
Just four years after publishing a book heaping praise on Zelensky, the former press secretary appeared on right-wing U.S. podcaster Tucker Carlson's show on May 11, speaking on how her home country is corrupt, the president may be a drug addict, and speculated that he was willing to give up Ukrainian territory during the full-scale war.
For many Ukrainians — including longtime vocal critics of Zelensky — the interview was seen as extremely damaging to Ukraine's cause.
"Pretending to be the 'insider,' when no longer witnessing peace negotiations, she promoted (on Carlson's show) serious allegations blaming Ukraine and Western partners for sabotaging peace," disinformation researcher Alyona Hurkivska told the Kyiv Independent.
