Ukrainian Brigade Faces Crisis with Mass Desertions Ahead of Deployment

The newly formed 155th mechanized brigade of Ukraine is experiencing significant operational issues, with over 1,700 soldiers reported as absent without leave (AWOL) prior to its combat deployment. At least 50 members of the brigade, which is one of the few units equipped to operate the Leopard 2 battle tank, went missing while training in France.

The brigade, also known as the Anne of Kyiv, was announced as part of a $900 billion joint military project with France and was intended to have over 5,800 troops. However, many recruits faced challenges in training and deployment, leading to widespread desertion. Reports indicate that around 500 soldiers were still unaccounted for as of late November.

The unit, which had completed training in Ukraine, Poland, and France, was stationed in Pokrovsk, a vital logistics center in eastern Ukraine. Analysts have criticized the Ukrainian military's strategy of recruiting unseasoned soldiers for new brigades instead of reinforcing existing, experienced units. Issues in recruitment and training undermined the brigade's effectiveness, as many recruits had limited military backgrounds.

President Volodymyr Zelensky and French President Emmanuel Macron had high hopes for this brigade, but recent events have led to an investigation by the Ukrainian State Bureau of Investigations. Eyewitness reports detail heavy losses during its first engagements, including damage to its Leopard tanks and armored vehicles shortly after entering combat.

Experts express concern over the management and logistical support provided to the brigade, arguing that inadequate preparations may have contributed to its difficulties on the battlefield.