Transgender Spokesperson for Ukraine Breaks Silence on Suspension
Sarah Ashton-Cirillo, an American transgender journalist who became a Ukrainian military spokesperson, spoke on Sunday for the first time about her recent suspension.Ashton-Cirillo was made spokesperson of the Territorial Defense Forces (TDF) of the Ukrainian Armed Forces (AFU) this summer.
However, a message by the TDF posted on X (formerly Twitter) on September 20 announced the suspension of Ashton-Cirillo, citing statements she had made that "were not approved by the command of the TDF or the command of the AFU."In a video posted to X, Ashton-Cirillo confirmed she is in fact suspended from her role as a spokesperson and an investigation is underway into the comments that were made."I trust the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the Ministry of Defense to carry out a full and fair investigation, and I will abide by the results.
Until the investigation is complete, I am happily carrying out all the tasks and duties assigned to me by my command," Ashton-Cirillo said in the video.Ashton-Cirillo also addressed the suspension in a statement to Newsweek.
Her message also reminded others of the ongoing misinformation she said is being spread by Kremlin-backed figures in Russia."While we all appreciate the need for a thorough investigation by the Armed Forces of Ukraine and Ministry of Defense into statements attributed to me, we must also remember that the Russian propaganda machine is meant to sow division and chaos in order to hide the truth that Putin is still carrying out war crimes and genocide against the Ukrainian people," Ashton-Cirillo told Newsweek.Although the TDF did not provide any additional information about the statements that led to the investigation, Ashton-Cirillo recently drew the attention of Senator J.D.
