Desertion Reports Surface in Ukrainian Brigade

The 155th Mechanized Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, trained in France, has faced significant challenges, including desertions and command issues, with reports indicating that nearly 1,700 soldiers deserted, mostly before being deployed to the front lines. French authorities acknowledged several dozen desertions during training, which they deemed marginal compared to the total number of soldiers trained. Ukrainian military leadership has admitted to organizational problems within the brigade, leading to investigations into reported abuses of power. Despite being touted as a modernized unit, soldiers have expressed dissatisfaction, claiming inadequate training and a lack of essential equipment, including drones. The brigade's commander was dismissed amid public outcry over incompetence, reflecting broader issues within the Ukrainian military during an ongoing conflict with Russia. These setbacks underscore the difficulties the Ukrainian army faces as it strives to maintain morale and effectiveness against a larger adversary.