“Oh my God! Wait a minute!” When Iuliia Mendel began a conversation with El Periódico de España from the Prensa Ibérica group, the video call was suddenly paused. She explained that the sirens were audible in Kiev, and she needed a moment to gather her thoughts. Mendel spoke from her apartment in Kiev, a city that had seemed relatively ordinary before the shock of Russian missiles altering daily life. Mendel served as the spokesperson for President Volodymyr Zelensky before the war and knows him personally. He later published a book about his experiences with the Ukrainian leader, titled The Battle of Our Lives (Simon & Schuster UK). The book recounts a meeting in which Zelensky, advocating a pacifist agenda, faced Vladimir Putin and analyzes the broader situation in Ukraine and the options for conflict. Mendel also shares her perspective on the war with her 150,000 followers on Twitter.
Question: Those who know the President well, have you noticed changes in him during the war? Answer: The question is challenging. Zelensky has become more resolute, steadfast, and determined. He appears highly goal-driven, with the singular aim of overcoming Russia.
Q: Why was there a delay in the counterattack? Not all weapons arrived last week, though Jens Stoltenberg, the NATO Secretary General, stated that most were on site.
A: Logistics played a pivotal role. The initial offense faced delays because of supply and repair timelines. Some weapons arrived defective, while others needed testing and readiness checks. Even if promises were fulfilled, not everything reached the front. In conversations with political leaders, there is annoyance about all the talk surrounding the exact start time of the counterattack. Zelensky avoided offering a precise timetable, as that could influence outcomes. In the end, ammunition shortages were a factor.
Q: What can Spain contribute right now?
A: Ammunition. That has become a critical issue. The desire for F-16 jets persists, but the Ukrainian government understands that delivery will take time because trained pilots and long training periods are required, often extending beyond a year and a half.
Q: Is Spain’s aid meeting expectations? It seems the gun-taxpayer list is long.
A: The president’s response will come from victory. Aid is appreciated, and Spain’s involvement—though distant—signals solidarity with Ukraine. For Poland or the Baltic states, the questions feel more direct and immediate.
3/10 The independence worth defending has opened doors to new opportunities. With Zelensky at the table alongside influential leaders, Mendel notes that some once dismissed their own voices, only to see those perspectives gain weight over time. A reflection from Mendel emphasized the evolving dynamics of power and influence in international discussions.
— Iuliia Mendel (@IuliiaMendel) September 13, 2022
Q: What is the current state of the war?
A: The situation marks a critical moment. Mendel has recently spoken with key government figures and sensed a clear commitment to pursuing a peace agreement, while not forgetting the occupied territories, affected families, and the issue of child abduction. Peace would require a just settlement grounded in international law and the restoration of Ukraine’s sovereignty. The ultimate aim is liberation of all Ukrainian lands, with progress judged by tangible gains on the ground and international support.
Q: Could negotiations begin after assessing how the counterattack unfolds?
A: The first priority is the counteroffensive itself. Zelensky seeks to reclaim all lands recognized in 1991, yet there is awareness that a prolonged war could backfire economically and politically, especially given Western dependency and evolving migration dynamics. There were reports of a desire for lasting peace by year’s end, but the path to peace will depend on the strength of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and continued support from international partners.
Q: Has Zelensky’s government shown any self-criticism politically?
A: Mendel did not discuss self-criticism directly, but she believes Ukrainian politicians are re-evaluating prewar positions in light of recent negotiations with Russia or Belarus. Questions about Kherson and how a large city could fall quickly while fortifications proved insufficient are likely to arise.
Q: What measures are needed to reassure international donors about aid and prevent corruption in military shipments?
A: Corruption stands as a major internal threat to Ukraine. A recent survey found that 53% of Ukrainians view corrupt politicians as a greater concern than collaborators with Russia, and 84% support exposing corruption. A major corruption case emerged recently with the arrest of the head of Ukraine’s Supreme Court on bribery charges, reportedly involving 2.7 million dollars. This underscores the importance of transparent oversight for international assistance.