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Ulia MendelUkrainian statesman, journalist
Date of Birth: 03.09.1986
Country:  Ukraine |
Content:
- Yulia Mendel: Ukrainian Stateswoman and Journalist
- Journalistic Career
- International Experience
- Press Secretary of Ukraine
- Controversy and Investigations
- 112 Ukraine Broadcast
- Journalist Altercations
- Relationship with Journalists
Yulia Mendel: Ukrainian Stateswoman and Journalist
Early Life and EducationYulia Mendel was born in Ukraine and is a graduate of the Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. She holds a PhD in Philology.
Journalistic Career
Mendel has had an illustrious career in journalism. She worked for several leading Ukrainian television channels, including ICTV, Espreso TV, 112 Ukraine, and Inter. In addition, she became the first Ukrainian journalist to win the World Press Institute program and served as a representative for The New York Times in Ukraine. She also collaborated with Politico Europe, VICE News, CNBC, New Eastern Europe, World Affairs Journal, and Spiegel Online.
International Experience
Mendel has gained valuable international experience throughout her career. She was a communications consultant for the World Bank and participated in overseas programs such as the Lech Walesa Solidarity Program, the THREAD Program at Yale University, and the Warsaw Euro-Atlantic Academy (WEASA).
Press Secretary of Ukraine
On June 3, 2019, Mendel was appointed Press Secretary of the President of Ukraine. She emerged victorious from a competitive process, surpassing 4,000 other candidates.
Controversy and Investigations
Conflict of InterestIn June 2019, CNN reported on a potential conflict of interest involving Mendel's participation in the press secretary competition while simultaneously publishing articles about Ukrainian events in The New York Times. While NYT editors defended her reporting as fair and accurate, they stated that they would have ended their collaboration with Mendel if she had disclosed her job application.
112 Ukraine Broadcast
On June 6, 2019, Mendel's appearance on a ток-шоу on 1+1 sparked controversy. She claimed that Ukrainian military forces had retaliated against provocations by shelling civilian targets in eastern Ukraine, resulting in loss of life. This led to accusations from pro-Russian outlets that the Ukrainian government had admitted to targeting civilians. Russia subsequently forwarded this information to the International Criminal Court as evidence of alleged war crimes by Ukraine.
Journalist Altercations
In September 2019, Mendel faced criticism from Ukrainian journalists after she and presidential security guards physically prevented reporters from Radio Liberty and LB.ua from questioning the president and his chief of staff. Mendel defended her actions, comparing them to practices in the United States. She also accused journalists of spreading false information about her.
Relationship with Journalists
Mendel's relationship with the media has been strained on several occasions. She has criticized journalists for their coverage of her and dismissed their allegations of suppression. Ukrainian journalist organizations have called for her apology or dismissal.
