As the war in Ukraine continues to devastate the nation, former Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky‘s spokesperson Iuliia Mendel has voiced growing concerns that the majority of Ukrainians are seeking an end to the conflict. In a recent interview with France 24 at the end of February 2025, Mendel highlighted the deep desire among the Ukrainian people for peace and a ceasefire, reflecting the broader sentiment in the country.
This interview comes just days after Zelensky’s high-profile visit to the United States and a heated exchange with President Donald Trump at the White House. During the weekend, Zelensky secured a significant $3.3 billion loan from UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to continue funding Ukraine’s defense efforts. This financial boost underscores the continued support from international allies, even as the human cost of the war rises.
Despite this financial backing, Mendel, who served as Zelensky’s spokesperson from 2019 to 2021, warned that many Ukrainians are questioning the effectiveness of continuing the fight. In her interview, she stated, “We perhaps cannot win this war militarily,” adding that the well-being of Ukraine’s citizens must be a priority. She acknowledged Zelensky’s openness to the idea of peace talks with Russia, though she cautioned that these negotiations would be complex, particularly given Russia’s demand that Ukraine renounce its NATO aspirations.
Mendel also reflected on the shifting dynamics surrounding NATO. For years, Ukraine had been hopeful about joining the alliance, but Mendel pointed out that many NATO members are reluctant to escalate the conflict further. “I don’t think it’s realistic to exchange so many Ukrainians’ lives and put the Ukrainian nation under the illusion that NATO will invite us at some point,” she said.
Living under constant shelling and drone attacks, Ukrainians in the most war-torn regions are particularly vocal about the need for a ceasefire. Mendel emphasized, “The majority of the people in Ukraine agree on the need for a ceasefire,” a sentiment echoed by many citizens in the conflict zones.
As Zelensky’s government continues to receive international aid, including the recent loan from the UK, the gap between military support and the urgent desire for peace within Ukraine remains stark. Mendel’s comments serve as a reminder of the human toll of the war and the growing calls for diplomatic resolution, even as global powers continue to back Ukraine’s defense efforts.
The urgency of Mendel’s message is clear—while international support strengthens Ukraine’s military capabilities, the yearning for peace among the Ukrainian people grows louder each day. The coming weeks may prove pivotal in determining whether diplomatic efforts can begin to match the scale of military support.
References:
- France 24 Interview with Iuliia Mendel
- Iuliia Mendel’s book The Fight of Our Lives: My Time with Zelenskyy, Ukraine’s Battle for Democracy, and What It Means for the World
