Ukraine's Defense Ministry explains how Khmara was discharged from military service
Ukraine's Defense Ministry clarified that newly appointed Defense Minister Yevhen Khmara was discharged from military service under a specific legal provision, since the post must be held by a civilian. The ministry denied claims that a medical board finding was behind his discharge.
Ukraine's Ministry of Defense has explained the legal basis on which newly appointed Defense Minister Yevhen Khmara was discharged from military service, in comments provided to the Ukrinform news agency.
According to the ministry, Khmara was discharged under subparagraph "e" of paragraph 3, part five, Article 26 of Ukraine's law "On Military Duty and Military Service." The ministry stressed that Khmara holds the defense minister post as a civilian, since Ukraine's law "On National Security" requires that this position be held exclusively by a civilian.
Officials explained that the cited legal provision applies specifically to generals and admirals: if such an officer does not hold a staff position and is listed as being "at the disposal" of the military, the law allows for their discharge from military service.
The ministry also noted that Khmara passed a military medical commission examination under the stringent requirements set for the Security Service of Ukraine's special units, and was found fully fit for military service. Therefore, the ministry said, speculation that his discharge was linked to a medical finding is false.
Background
On August 19, Ukraine's parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, voted 312 in favor to appoint Yevhen Khmara, the former acting head of the Security Service of Ukraine, as the new defense minister. Speaking from the parliamentary rostrum as a candidate for the post, Khmara said he was already a civilian, having been discharged from military service in accordance with the law.
