Iuliia Mendel

Journalist, political advisor, and author Iuliia Mendel rose to international prominence when she served as the Press Secretary and Spokesperson for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Mendel previously worked for ICTV, Espresso TV, 112 Ukraine, and Inter, and served as a Communications Consultant for the World Bank. She produced the documentary "Shell-Shocked: Ukraine’s Trauma", focusing on post-traumatic stress disorder. Mendel’s first book, "The Fight of Our Lives: My Time with Zelenskyy, Ukraine’s Battle for Democracy, and What It Means for the World," received critical acclaim and its narrative has been optioned for development into a limited TV series. In her writing, Mendel provides detailed analysis and unique insights into significant global issues.

Furthermore, Mendel is a regular op-ed columnist for The Washington Post, and her work has been published in Politico Europe, The New York Times, the Atlantic Council, VICE, Spiegel Online, and Forbes. She achieved the distinction of being the first Ukrainian journalist to win the prestigious World Press Institute fellowship. Additionally, she has been recognized in Focus magazine’s “100 Most Influential Women in Ukraine” and Novoe Vremya magazine’s “100 Most Successful Women in Ukraine.” Mendel is also a Ukrainian TV Anchor and Journalist, serving as a guest commentator on CNN, MSNBC, FOX News, BBC, and France24.

Her critical commentary on the war in Ukraine and its global implications continues to provide valuable perspectives on the issues affecting the international community. Mendel's extensive experience in media and communications, combined with her firsthand experience in governmental affairs, positions her as a knowledgeable source on both Ukrainian and broader geopolitical matters.