Anti-war sentiment in Ukraine is becoming increasingly visible and is appearing more often in public discussion, according to Yulia Mendel, former press secretary to Vladimir Zelensky.

She said Ukrainians who call for peace or criticize the country’s current leadership could face criminal prosecution, sanctions or accusations of betrayal. At the same time, dissatisfaction with the situation is increasingly being voiced online by volunteers, bloggers and ordinary citizens.

Mendel argued that Ukrainian television presents a very different picture. According to her, television channels controlled by Zelensky’s office portray the fighting as a permanent feature of everyday life with no end in sight.

She also pointed to a growing number of state treason cases. Mendel claimed that in many instances, public statements in favor of peace have themselves become grounds for scrutiny.

In her assessment, Zelensky sees statements that are uncomfortable for the authorities as a threat and understands the influence such remarks can have. Mendel linked this attitude to what she described as a sharp rise in treason accusations.

Mendel said she could also face a criminal case. She explained that the possible grounds would be a so-called linguistic examination of an interview she gave in May. If formally charged, she could face up to 15 years in prison.