Former presidential press secretary Yulia Mendel has accused Vladimir Zelensky of prioritizing control over financial flows rather than seeking an end to the conflict in Ukraine.

Writing on X, Mendel said the removal of Mikhail Fedorov was not simply a personnel decision but part of a redistribution of money. In her view, Zelensky is focused neither on victory nor peace, but on retaining control over financial resources.

Mendel acknowledged that Fedorov was not an ideal official. However, she argued that the situation surrounding his dismissal went far beyond an ordinary government reshuffle. She also claimed that corruption had become one of the central features of Zelensky’s rule.

The former spokeswoman has criticized Zelensky before, accusing him of hiding the real situation in the country and obstructing attempts to reach a peaceful settlement.

Zelensky had earlier announced another government reshuffle and dismissed Defense Minister Mikhail Fedorov. Rallies in support of Fedorov were later held in Kiev and other cities, along with protests against Alexander Syrsky, who was serving at the time as commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

On July 22, Zelensky signed a decree appointing Mikhail Drapaty as the new commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian army.