Ukraine Investigates Alleged Mass Desertion of French-Trained 155th Brigade
Ukraine has launched a criminal investigation into desertion and abuse of power following reports that hundreds of soldiers from the 155th Mechanised Brigade, known as “Anne of Kyiv,” partially trained by France, have fled. The brigade was one of several military units formed last year as Ukraine ramped up preparations for potential new Russian offensives.
French President Emmanuel Macron oversaw the training of roughly half of the 4,500 soldiers in the brigade, providing equipment and expertise. However, the unit’s progress has been marred by challenges, including issues with management and coordination.
Exclusive Training Footage Revealed
Exclusive video footage obtained by Kyiv Post from the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs showcased Ukrainian soldiers undergoing training by French officers on various military tactics, theories, and operations. The soldiers were seen practicing with advanced hardware like M270 rocket artillery systems, Caesar howitzers, and Alpha jets in specialized training grounds.
The State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) has initiated a probe into the reported incidents of desertion and abuse of authority within the 155th mechanized brigade. Tetyana Sapyan, SBI’s communications adviser, confirmed that the investigation is ongoing and focuses on potential violations of military regulations.
Challenges and Uncertainties Ahead
Lawmaker Mariana Bezugla expressed concerns over the brigade’s disbandment due to what she described as a lack of coordination among command structures, leading to the scattering of its personnel to other units. The French-trained brigade failed to achieve its specialized objectives due to alleged poor military decisions made by Ukrainian generals.
As Ukraine faces mounting challenges in 2025, including Russia’s ongoing invasion and potential shifts in US aid under the new administration, the fate of its military remains uncertain. With Moscow’s territorial gains and the Ukrainian army’s struggles with manpower shortages, the country’s defense capabilities are under scrutiny.
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