Zelensky sanctions ex-spokeswoman Mendel and 20 Russian shadow-fleet ships

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on 13 September signed three decrees enacting decisions by the National Security and Defence Council (NSDC) that impose a broad package of sanctions targeting Russian military-industrial supply chains, propaganda actors, and oil-export vessels.

Sanctions against Mendel

Among those sanctioned is Yulia Mendel (born 3 September 1986), Zelensky's press secretary from June 2019 to July 2021. According to the presidential website, Mendel is included in a list of ten Ukrainian and Russian individuals who disseminate disinformation and Russian propaganda and support Russia's aggressive policy against Ukraine. The sanctions come days before Mendel's scheduled speech at the European Parliament.

Shadow fleet and arms suppliers

A separate decree targets 20 maritime vessels used by Russia to export oil, petroleum products, and liquefied gas — part of the so-called shadow fleet that helps Moscow circumvent Western energy sanctions. Another decision sanctions 29 Russian citizens and 29 Russian companies involved in supplying precision industrial equipment, electronics, and components for rocket and drone production, including research organisations that develop documentation for the Russian defence sector and IT firms providing encryption and database software.

International synchronisation

Ukraine stated it will share the full sanction information with international partners to synchronise restrictions in other jurisdictions.