Ex-Zelensky Spokeswoman Claims Kyiv Was Ready to ‘Give Up Donbas’ in 2022 Talks – Presidential Office Fires Back

In Ukraine, around 12 May 2026, Zelensky's former spokeswoman Mendel made claims about him, including that Kyiv was ready to 'give up Donbas' in 2022 talks and about a promise to Putin on NATO. The presidential office denied that Zelensky agreed to give up Donbas in 2022. Separately, charges were brought against Andrey Yermak, Zelensky's former chief of staff. The Telegraph wrote that Zelensky survives the corruption charges against his right-hand man 'for now', while RT wrote that the charges also implicate the Ukrainian leader. Russian official Miroshnik said the Yermak case resulted from Zelensky ignoring signals from the US.