Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi has ordered the boosting of Ukraine’s 155th “Anne of Kyiv” Mechanized Brigade with drones following reports of desertion and mismanagement. This decision came after a media investigation revealed that soldiers of the unit, now deployed near Pokrovsk, have suffered losses and gone absent without leave due to poor command and organization on Ukraine’s side. The State Bureau of Investigation has launched an investigation into the matter. The brigade, which is a flagship project where NATO countries will help train new Ukrainian military formations and provide heavy equipment, has faced challenges since its founding.
The unit, named after an 11th-century Kyiv Rus princess, has about 5,800 troops, with fewer than 2,000 having undergone training in France. The founding of the brigade was marked by organizational chaos from the beginning. Only 51 out of 1,924 soldiers sent to France had more than a year of military service, while 1,414 had served for less than two months. The unit also experienced large numbers of soldiers going AWOL, with about 50 deserting in France and more leaving their posts even before deployment at the front. Reports indicate that over 1,700 soldiers went AWOL between March and November. Additionally, the brigade reportedly did not receive drones or electronic warfare equipment from the Ukrainian command, contributing to the losses suffered once deployed in November.
Ukrainian troops launched a new offensive in Russia’s Kursk Oblast, according to Andrii Kovalenko, head of Ukraine’s counter-disinformation center. Reports from Russian pro-war Telegram channels have echoed this statement, suggesting that a new offensive by Kyiv is underway. The outcome of the offensive remains unclear, with mixed reports surfacing regarding its success. The escalation of conflict in this region adds to the ongoing tensions between Ukraine and Russia, highlighting the volatile situation in the area. It is essential to monitor developments closely to understand the implications of this latest offensive.
President Volodymyr Zelensky reportedly held a meeting with military and top officials, taking the investigation into the 155th Brigade under his control. This move indicates the seriousness of the situation and the government’s commitment to addressing the issues within the brigade. The involvement of top officials in overseeing the investigation suggests a coordinated effort to rectify the problems facing the unit. With the brigade being a key project for NATO assistance in training Ukrainian military formations, it is crucial to address any challenges to ensure the effectiveness and readiness of the unit in fulfilling its role.
The lack of proper selection processes for new recruits, insufficient training, and poor organization within the 155th Brigade have contributed to the problems faced by the unit. The high number of soldiers going AWOL, both in France and after deployment, points to underlying issues that need to be addressed. It is essential for the Ukrainian military leadership to prioritize the well-being and effectiveness of their troops to maintain operational readiness and morale. By acknowledging the challenges faced by the brigade and implementing measures to address them, the military can ensure the success of this flagship project and maintain the support of NATO countries involved in training and equipping Ukrainian forces.
Ultimately, the success of the 155th “Anne of Kyiv” Mechanized Brigade will depend on the government’s ability to address the problems of desertion, mismanagement, and lack of equipment. By taking steps to boost the unit with drones and improve command and organization, the Ukrainian military aims to enhance the capabilities of the brigade and prevent further losses. The involvement of NATO countries in training and equipping Ukrainian forces adds an additional layer of complexity to this situation, highlighting the importance of effective coordination and communication between all parties involved. As Ukraine continues to navigate the challenges of conflict and instability in the region, the success of initiatives like the 155th Brigade will be crucial in maintaining security and stability in the face of external threats.
