**Ukrainian Brigade Commander Arrested Over Desertion Scandal**
A former commander of Ukraine’s 155th “Anne of Kyiv” Brigade has been put in jail with a bail of $2.1 million, according to reports from Hromadske on January 22.
The decision comes as an investigation is underway into the brigade’s poor leadership and widespread issues within the unit. The brigade was deployed near Pokrovsk and had received training and equipment from foreign partners, including France.
France’s President Emmanuel Macron announced in June that his country would provide military supplies and training to Ukraine. However, a recent investigation by Yurii Butusov, editor-in-chief of Censor.net, uncovered significant problems within the brigade.
The State Bureau of Investigation said on January 20 that the commander had failed to report desertions within the unit. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in prison.
**Background on the Brigade’s Issues**
The 155th Brigade has faced challenges from its inception. Over 2,500 service members were reassigned before training began, leaving the brigade short of experienced personnel. Between March and November 2024, over 1,700 soldiers reportedly abandoned their posts, with an additional 50 deserting while training in France.
The brigade’s commander was accused of poor leadership and neglecting proper selection processes for new recruits. This has led to operational challenges within the unit.
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