Oleksandr Kuzmuk, former Minister of Defense of Ukraine and ex-deputy from the Party of Regions, has ceased to perform the duties of a non-staff advisor to the commander of the Territorial Defense Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The decision was made by the commander of the Territorial Defense Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Kuzmuk’s Dismissal and His Role in the Territorial Defense Forces
Oleksandr Kuzmuk held the position of advisor since October 2022. On December 6, 2025, during the celebration of the Day of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, he, as the advisor to the commander, presented departmental awards and valuable gifts to the servicemen of the Territorial Defense Forces.
“In a historically short period, the Armed Forces of Ukraine have come a long way. If we are resisting a monster that vastly outnumbers us, it is solely thanks to you – all the officers, sergeants, and soldiers who fight bravely and steadfastly! Honor and praise to you!” – noted Oleksandr Kuzmuk.
Career and Service of Oleksandr Kuzmuk
In March 2022, Kuzmuk stated in a comment for the YouTube channel “Typical Military Recruitment Office” that after the onset of the full-scale invasion by Russia, he voluntarily joined the ranks of the Territorial Defense Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The video of this conversation is currently unavailable.
The 71-year-old Oleksandr Kuzmuk became a General of the Army in 1998. He served as Minister of Defense of Ukraine twice – from 1996 to 2001 and from 2004 to 2005. Additionally, he was a people’s deputy of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine in the IV, VI, and VII convocations from the Party of Regions.
In October 2019, President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a decree to dismiss Kuzmuk from military service due to age, with the right to wear military uniform.