Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s former spokesperson, Iuliia Mendel, has encouraged him to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin face-to-face in Moscow. She believes that Zelenskyy’s past business and political connections in the Russian capital could help negotiate a peace deal.
Mendel, who served as Zelenskyy’s spokesperson from 2019 to 2021, told Fox News Digital that Zelenskyy, a former comedian, had made his first millions in Russia. Mendel suggests he could leverage these ties to pursue lasting peace in the region.
“When Zelenskyy was an entertainer, he often performed in Moscow,” Mendel said. She noted that the Ukrainian president “knows many individuals from Putin’s elite.” As an entertainer, Zelenskyy performed in Moscow and built a successful entertainment career in Russia.
Mendel’s remarks come as Ukraine, Russia, and the United States prepare for another round of technical-level peace talks, possibly in Abu Dhabi or Switzerland, in November. U.S. envoys, including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, have helped lay the groundwork for renewed negotiations. Officials hope this could lead to direct talks between the two leaders.
Before entering politics, Zelenskyy had an impressive entertainment career. Starting in the late 1990s, he performed with Kvartal 95, competed in Russian-language comedy programs, and worked as an actor, writer, and producer in television and movies. Many of his films were in Russian and marketed to a Russian audience.
Since taking office, Zelenskyy has faced a devastating war with Russia. Mendel argues that Zelenskyy’s promise to bring peace stands in stark contrast to the continuing conflict. “Zelenskyy became the president with 73% record support because he promised to bring peace to Ukraine,” Mendel stated.
Personal animosity between Zelenskyy and Putin has complicated diplomacy efforts. Mendel argues that this opposition has grown into a constant escalation, with civilians suffering. Ukraine’s infrastructure and businesses have been severely affected.
Attempts to seek peace are deadlocked over various issues including territory and security guarantees. Moscow has demanded territorial concessions from Ukraine, while Kyiv refuses to cede sovereign territories.
Mendel praised President Donald Trump’s efforts to break the diplomatic stalemate, stating his involvement is crucial to ending the war. “A sustainable peace deal requires a strong third party to halt the ongoing devastation,” she noted.
Recent developments include First Lady Melania Trump’s role in brokering a temporary ceasefire in Oleshky, a Russian-occupied Ukrainian town, for humanitarian aid delivery. This ceasefire begins October 29 and addresses the severe shortages of essentials in the town.
Mendel criticized Andriy Yermak’s influence on Zelenskyy’s diplomatic approach, who she believes has favored confrontation over compromise. According to Mendel, “It’s a diplomacy of humiliation, diplomacy of constant threats, diplomacy of demands.”