Ex-Zelensky Aide Accuses Him of Corruption, Prolonging War

Yuliia Mendel, who served as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's press secretary from 2019 to 2021, accused her former boss of acting as a dictator, engaging in corruption and prolonging Russia's war against Ukraine for personal gain during a May 11 interview on Tucker Carlson's show.

Mendel claimed Zelensky thrives on the conflict to secure Western aid, which she alleged is funneled through money-laundering schemes involving his inner circle, including chief of staff Andriy Yermak. She described Zelensky as inconsistent and manipulative, recounting instances where ministerial candidates were reportedly asked to propose laundering methods during interviews. Mendel also referenced unverified rumors of Zelensky's drug use, stating it was an "open secret" based on accounts from others, though she admitted never witnessing it herself. She portrayed Zelensky as emotionally unstable and paranoid, calling him one of the "biggest obstacles to peace today."

A central allegation was that Ukraine's delegation in Istanbul talks in March 2022 agreed to nearly all Russian demands, including ceding Donbas, with Zelensky's personal approval, only for the deal to collapse under pressure...