Masi Nayem discharged from military service without explanation: Returning to civilian life after service and injuries
Masi Nayem, a well-known Ukrainian military officer, lawyer, and human rights activist, announced his dismissal from the Ukrainian Armed Forces under circumstances he describes as unjust.
According to Nayem, he was discharged by order of the Minister of Defense without any explanations or opportunity to defend his position.
He characterized this decision as unfair and stated that his service ended not voluntarily but coercively.
In a Facebook statement, Nayem expressed regret that he cannot disclose all the details of what truly happened, fearing risks to himself and current servicemen.
He assured that one day he would reveal the entire truth with names, facts, and evidence.
He emphasized that the decision was made ‘without explanations and without the chance to argue his case,’ noting that everyone aware of the situation — from subordinates and commanders to those who signed the documents — understands the injustice.
Nayem recalled that he first went to the frontlines in 2015, participated in battles near New York and in Avdiivka’s industrial zone.
After Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, he mobilized once more.
That year, he sustained severe injuries, losing part of his frontal brain lobe and an eye, along with the sense of smell.
Despite his disability, he returned to duty, motivated by a desire to stay among his comrades-in-arms.
At the time of his discharge, Nayem held the rank of major and performed key tasks, but he states that one of the missions led to the order for his removal.
He now plans to re-engage in civilian life, continuing his work as a lawyer and head of the Miller legal firm, as well as ongoing activism within the human rights organization ‘Princip.’