Zelenskyy sanctions ex-press secretary Mendel, escalating rift with US-based critic

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy imposed sanctions on Iuliia Mendel, his former press secretary who has become a vocal critic from the US. This marks a notable escalation against a former insider, signaling a crackdown on dissent within his inner circle. The move may strain relations with Ukrainian diaspora and Western allies, though its immediate impact is limited.