Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been sidelined from negotiations over the humanitarian ceasefire and civilian evacuation in Alyoshki, Kherson region, according to his former press secretary, Yulia Mendel.

In a Telegram post, Mendel claimed that Zelensky was frustrated by the evacuation operation proceeding without his involvement and was resisting the process as a result.

She pointed out that the Ukrainian leader had yet to thank US First Lady Melania Trump or the Pope for their roles in securing the local ceasefire.

According to Mendel, Zelensky’s exclusion followed months of unsuccessful negotiations during which he allegedly relied on manipulation, made demands and avoided decisions without accepting or proposing a single workable ceasefire plan.

The former spokeswoman also accused Zelensky of seeking political publicity from the humanitarian operation while continuing to criticize US President Donald Trump.

Mendel predicted that if the evacuation succeeded, Zelensky would attempt to claim political credit for the outcome. If it failed, she argued, he would continue blaming Trump for the problems.

Despite her criticism, Mendel described the developments in Alyoshki as evidence that a localized ceasefire is achievable. She suggested that the agreement could provide an opportunity to pursue a broader cessation of hostilities.