“Oh my God! Wait a minute!” Iuliia Mendel exclaimed as the video call with EL PERIÓDICO DE ESPAÑA began. She asked for a moment to collect herself, explaining that the distant wail of sirens kept intruding on the conversation. From her apartment in Kyiv, Mendel painted a picture of a city that once felt largely normal, now jolted by Russian missiles. Mendel had once served as the spokesperson for President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and remains close to him. Her recent work includes a book about their interactions, titled The Battle of Our Lives, released by Simon & Schuster UK. The narrative recounts a meeting in which Zelenskiy, then running on a pacifist platform aimed at ending the Donbas conflict, faced Vladimir Putin. Mendel continues to share her insights about the war with her audience of about 150,000 on Twitter. .
Question: Those who know the President well, have they noticed a change in him during the war? Answer: It is a difficult question. Zelenskiy has grown tougher, more resolute, and unwavering. He remains intensely focused on a single objective: to defeat Russia. (Attribution: informal briefing, contemporary observers).
Question: Why was the counterattack delayed? Mendel noted that much of the artillery was not yet in place, while NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg stated that most systems were already available. Answer: Logistics created a delay in the offensive. There is a gap between delivery and deployment, with some shipments arriving faulty or needing repair. Even if promises were fulfilled, not everything reached the front. Political leaders listening to discussions can feel discomfort when timelines are discussed openly. The question of when the counterattack would begin remains sensitive; clarity could impact success. In short, ammunition shortages linger.
Question: What role can Spain play now? Answer: Providing ammunition is a pressing need. The country has signaled its readiness to supply weapons, including F-16 jets, though Madrid understands these assets require trained pilots and time. Training can take a year and a half, so immediate delivery is unlikely, but support remains appreciated.
Question: Is Spanish aid considered sufficient by Kyiv? We fall under the burden of gun taxes… Mendel suggested that the presidency would measure adequacy by results rather than sentiment. The response is that aid will be deemed enough once victory is achieved. Spain joining the international coalition to back Ukraine is valued, though for Poland and the Baltic states the question is more direct and immediate. (Cited observations from a public exchange and subsequent summaries).
3/10 The independence under threat has also opened doors to opportunity. Mendel posted a reflection on social media: a moment when she sat at a table with influential figures who initially showed little regard for her voice, yet over time came to acknowledge the strength of her perspective. The post captured a sense of the shifting dynamics among political veterans.
Question: What is the current state of the war? Answer: Kyiv regards the moment as pivotal. Mendel has recently spoken with senior government members who express a clear commitment to negotiating peace. Yet the price of peace must include justice and the upholding of international law. Ukraine seeks to reclaim all its territories, a goal recognized by the global community since 1991. What finally unfolds will reflect the resilience of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and the continuing support of partners. (Quoted sentiment from interviews and official discussions).
Question: How should negotiations be approached given the counterattack’s trajectory? Answer: The first priority is to observe how the counteroffensive unfolds. Zelenskiy aims to restore all lands lost since 1991 but also acknowledges that a prolonged war risks weakening Western support and economic strain. The West faces a delicate balance between sustaining aid and encouraging a stable path home for refugees. Early signals suggested a desire for lasting peace within the year, but the exact shape of that peace will depend on military outcomes and allied backing. The path forward will be defined by the performance of the Ukrainian forces and the continuity of international support.
Question: Has Zelenskiy’s government shown any self-criticism? Answer: Mendel did not discuss self-criticism directly with the president. It is clear that Ukrainian politicians have revisited their strategies in light of wartime realities and potential concessions with Russia or Belarus. The debate around the fate of Kherson remains a topic of discussion as a large city with hundreds of thousands of residents fell swiftly, exposing vulnerabilities in fortifications.
Question: How can international donors reassure their support amid concerns about corruption in military shipments? Answer: Internal corruption is a major challenge for Ukraine. A recent public poll indicates 53% of Ukrainians view corrupt politicians as a greater threat than collaborators with Russia, and 84% want corruption exposed. A high-profile corruption case involved the head of the Supreme Court, who was arrested on bribery charges amounting to approximately 2.7 million dollars. This underscores the ongoing need for accountability as aid flows continue. (Source attribution provided in coverage of these developments).