**Ukrainian Soldiers Desert in France**
A French army official confirmed that several dozen Ukrainian soldiers deserted while training in France. The soldiers were part of the 155th “Anne of Kyiv” Mechanized Brigade, a project to train new Ukrainian military formations and provide heavy equipment.
The brigade has about 5,800 troops, but only around 2,000 have undergone training in France. An investigation by a Ukrainian publication claimed that soldiers had suffered losses and gone AWOL due to poor command and organization on Ukraine’s side.
**Controversy Surrounds Brigade**
Media reports have emerged of desertion and widespread mismanagement within the brigade. The unit has been plagued with controversy, with many soldiers leaving their posts or going AWOL in large numbers.
Yurii Butusov, chief editor of Censor.net, claimed that around 50 soldiers deserted in France, in addition to hundreds who left their posts before the unit was deployed at the front. He also alleged that over 1,700 soldiers had gone AWOL between March and November, without proper selection process.
**Ukrainian Military Leadership Under Pressure**
The report comes amid growing calls for reform within Ukraine’s military leadership as Kyiv grapples with intensifying pressure in its war with Russia. Mykhailo Drapatyi, commander of Ukraine’s Ground Forces, acknowledged significant challenges within the French-trained brigade.
Following media reports, Ukraine’s State Bureau of Investigation launched a probe into suspected desertion and abuse of authority. Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi ordered to boost the brigade with drones amid the reports.
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