Sarah Ashton-Crillo is suspended as Ukraine war spokeswoman after trans Floridian posted blood-curdling video threatening to ‘hunt down’ Russians
A transgender American woman has been suspended from her role as a spokesperson for the Ukrainian military after posting a video threatening to “hunt down” Russians.
Sarah Ashton-Cirillo, 45, was fired from her post after making a video in which she said “Russian devils” would “pay for their crimes”.
The Ukrainian military said his remarks were not approved by top brass, although it is unclear what statements prompted the suspension.
Junior Sergeant Sarah Ashton-Cirillo has been suspended from her role as spokesperson for the Ukrainian Territorial Defense Forces while an investigation is underway,” the Defense Ministry said.
Ashton-Cirillo also told AFP in a recent interview that she had learned to “accept the hatred of Russians” who made fun of her gender identity.
Sarah Ashton-Cirillo, 45, was fired from her post after making a video in which she said “Russian devils” would “pay for their crimes”.
The native New Yorker added that she had editorial control over her own output and wanted to avoid a dry, numbers-based approach to covering the war.
In footage released last week, Ashton-Crillo said: “Russia hates the truth that its obsessive focus on a Ukrainian volunteer simply shines the light of honesty on the Ukrainian nation.
His voice trembling with rage, Ashton-Crillo hissed: “Next week, the teeth of the Russian demons will gnashing even louder, and their enraged mouths will foam in an uncontrollable frenzy as the world watches a privileged Kremlin propagandist pay for his crimes .
“And this Putin puppet is just the first. Russian war criminal propagandists will all be hunted down and justice will be served as we in Ukraine are guided in this mission by faith in God, freedom and complete liberation.
The Ukrainian Territorial Defense Forces confirmed that Ashton-Cirillo had been suspended following the comments.
“JSgt Ashton-Cirillo’s statements in recent days have not been endorsed by either TDF or AFU command,” they said.
“When carrying out military operations against the aggressor, the Ukrainian Defense Forces strictly adhere to the norms of international humanitarian law.
“The TDF command will conduct an official investigation into the circumstances of these statements.
The Ukrainian military said his remarks were not approved by top brass, although it is unclear what statements prompted the suspension.
Senator JD Vance sent the letter to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines.
The Ukrainian Territorial Defense Forces confirmed that Ashton-Cirillo had been suspended following the comments.
“Appropriate decisions would be taken. Sergeant Sarah Ashton-Cirillo will be immediately suspended pending investigation.
When contacted for comment by DailyMail.com, Ashton-Cirillo did not immediately respond.
Ashton-Cirillo joined Volodymyr Zelensky’s war effort shortly after it began last year and was born in Florida but raised in New York.
She hosts live shows on YouTube from her studio called “Ukraine in the Know” and “Russia Hates the Truth.”
Last week, she sparked controversy after a Republican lawmaker sent her a letter expressing concerns about her work in kyiv.
Senator JD Vance sent the letter to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines.
He accused her of threatening “with physical violence anyone who spread Russian propaganda” during a video message she had made.
Vance asked if she was a U.S. citizen and if she had ever served for U.S. intelligence.
Ashton-Cirillo joined Volodymyr Zelensky’s war effort shortly after it began last year. He was born in Florida but raised in New York.
She was hospitalized for 16 days after being hit in the head and hand by an artillery shell in Ukraine’s Donbass region on February 23. She immediately returned to the front line
The military activist hosts live shows on YouTube from her studio called “Ukraine Knows” and “Russia Hates the Truth.”
He also asked whether she was employed by the Ukrainian military and whether she was “paid using American resources.”
In a statement to News weekAshton-Cirillo said, “Like me, Senator Vance understands the importance of the First Amendment, and defending it is part of upholding an oath.”
In response to Vance’s questions on assigned to the TDF media team in the dual role of spokesperson and Russian disinformation analyst.
“I have never been more proud to be an American citizen as I fight on behalf of the Ukrainian people against the tyranny of Russia and its various allies, all of whom are enemies of the United States.
“I will close by stating unequivocally that I answer to only three groups of people: my Ukrainian commanders, the Ukrainian people and the American taxpayer,” she added.
Vance also questioned whether U.S. officials had “reason to believe that Ukrainian forces or intelligence services were planning to commit acts of violence against those who engage in ‘Russian propaganda.’
Ashton-Cirillo first arrived in Ukraine in March 2022 to work as a journalist before enlisting in the Ukrainian armed forces as a combat medic.
Vance also questioned whether U.S. officials had “reason to believe that Ukrainian forces or intelligence services were planning to commit acts of violence against those who engage in ‘Russian propaganda.’
“While we can debate the merits of these accusations, engaging in protected speech should not invite threats of violence, otherwise the First Amendment means nothing,” Vance wrote.
She was hospitalized for 16 days after being hit in the head and hand by an artillery shell in Ukraine’s Donbass region on February 23. She immediately returned to the front line.
Ashton-Cirillo first arrived in Ukraine in March 2022 to work as a journalist before enlisting in the Ukrainian armed forces as a combat medic.
She began hosting programs in English for the TDF before becoming a spokesperson for the military branch this summer.