Transgender sergeant Sarah Ashton-Cirillo has been suspended from her position of the speaker of the Territorial Defense of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The reason for this decision was statements made by the servicewoman in recent days, which caused dissatisfaction with the command of the Territorial Defense Forces.
Earlier, Sarah Ashton-Cirillo threatened one of the "Kremlin propagandists" with possible "retribution for crimes." The ministry emphasized that during military operations against the enemy, the Ukrainian Defense Forces strictly adhere to international humanitarian law.
"The statements of Junior Sergeant Ashton-Cirillo made in recent days were not coordinated with either the command of the Defense Forces or the command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. In conducting combat operations against the aggressor, the Ukrainian defense forces strictly adhere to the norms of international humanitarian law," the press service said.
It is also reported that to clarify the circumstances of these statements, the command of the Armed Forces will conduct an internal investigation and take appropriate measures.
"Sergeant Sarah Ashton-Cirillo will be immediately suspended from her post until the completion of this investigation," the statement emphasizes.
3/3 The command of the TDF will conduct an official investigation into the circumstances of these statements. Appropriate decisions would be taken.
— Ukraine Territorial Defense Forces (@TDF_UA) September 20, 2023
Sergeant Sarah Ashton-Cirillo will be suspended immediately pending the investigation.
