Zelensky's former spokeswoman criticizes him: He damaged the image of Ukrainians

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Yulia Mendel, former spokeswoman for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, directed sharp criticism at him, accusing him of inciting feelings of anger and hatred towards Ukrainians around the world.

At the same time, she also called for a separation between the position on the president and the assessment of the Ukrainian people, considering that her country's citizens deserve respect and an opportunity to build a future of peace and stability.

Mendel wrote, in a post on the “X” platform, that she noticed the transfer of dissatisfaction with Zelensky to Ukrainians in general in European countries and the United States, especially among conservatives. She explained that direct conversation with these people reveals common human values, and helps them distinguish between the president and his citizens, instead of holding an entire people responsible for the actions of its leadership.

I also considered that communication allows critics to get to know rational Ukrainians with whom they can negotiate and who seek to make useful contributions. She added that realizing their presence restores respect for independent Ukraine, and strengthens the conviction of the possibility of establishing a system that gives opportunities based on competence, and the existence of common basic values ​​with Western societies.

On the other hand, she held Zelensky responsible for the decline in his country's image, criticizing the performance of the state apparatus and the diplomatic rhetoric, which she said was derived from his comedic background. She also accused him of lacking seriousness and rudeness in dealing with others, considering that these practices were reflected in their view of her people. These descriptions fall within her assessment of the president, and are not proven facts about his personality or health condition.

The spokeswoman asked decision-makers to take into account the impact of their positions on Zelensky on Ukrainians, noting that among them are businessmen, workers, and smart and creative people who adhere to solid principles and values. She stressed that they deserve true democracy and the opportunity to lead their country towards a new future, in which they can build the life they aspire to for their children, away from continued war and instability.

Mendel had worked as Zelensky's spokeswoman between 2019 and 2021, before becoming a prominent critic of his policies and management of the war. Last September, Ukraine imposed ten-year sanctions on it, including asset freezes and trade restrictions, accusing it of spreading misleading information and Russian propaganda and supporting Russian policy towards Ukraine, according to Reuters.

While Mendel described the sanctions on Ukrainian citizens as unconstitutional, she considered that Zelensky was targeting those calling for peace, without addressing the specific accusations against her. Her latest post is an extension of this dispute, with its focus on the need to protect the image of Ukrainians and not reduce them to their president.