The State Bureau of Investigation in Ukraine is conducting a probe into alleged desertion and abuse of authority within the 155th “Anne of Kyiv” Mechanized Brigade, a unit that was trained by French partners. The brigade, named after an 11th-century Kyiv Rus princess, has faced challenges such as poor command and organization, leading to losses and a high number of soldiers going AWOL. The training of the brigade was announced by French President Emmanuel Macron, and the unit is equipped with French armored vehicles and tanks, among other weapons. However, the unit has struggled with organizational chaos and a lack of experienced personnel.
Reports suggest that the problems within the 155th Brigade began even before the training in France began. Many qualified personnel were removed from the brigade, and the majority of soldiers sent for training had limited military experience. The unit was also plagued by desertions, with hundreds of soldiers reportedly going AWOL both in France and before being deployed at the front. Despite efforts to replenish the unit with new recruits, the selection process for these soldiers was allegedly not rigorous enough, leading to further challenges for the brigade.
The blame for the issues within the 155th Brigade has been placed on its former commander, Dmytro Riumshin, who was dismissed alongside other top officers in December. The new commanders were reportedly not aware of the problems within the unit, adding to the confusion and difficulties faced by the brigade. In addition to poor organization and insufficient training, the unit did not receive essential equipment such as drones and electronic warfare devices from the Ukrainian command, further impacting its effectiveness in combat situations.
The French Defense Ministry declined to comment on the investigation into the 155th Brigade, stating that it is ongoing and too early to discuss any preliminary results. The news of the probe comes at a time when there are increasing calls for reform within the Ukrainian military leadership, as the country faces challenges in its war with Russia. The Defense Minister of Ukraine, Rustem Umerov, has emphasized the need for a thorough review of the Ground Forces command to analyze past experiences and address mistakes in order to achieve victory in future conflicts.
The situation within the 155th Brigade highlights the complexities and challenges faced by the Ukrainian military as it continues to battle against Russian forces. The probe into desertion and abuse of authority within the unit raises concerns about the effectiveness of training programs and the readiness of Ukrainian forces to confront external threats. As calls for reform and accountability grow louder, it is essential for the military leadership to address these issues and ensure that Ukrainian soldiers are adequately prepared and equipped to defend the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
