Allegations have arisen regarding the 155th mechanized brigade, also known as Anne of Kiev, which was trained by France for combat in Ukraine. Reports of mass desertions, with over 1,000 soldiers allegedly fleeing the front lines, have fueled criticism from Ukrainian officials. Concerns about strategic decentralization and management quality have been voiced, while pro-Russian narratives exaggerate these claims. Misinformation campaigns have distorted the situation, impacting international perceptions of French support for Ukraine.
Allegations Surrounding the 155th Mechanized Brigade
The 155th mechanized brigade, known as Anne of Kiev, was intended by Paris to serve as a ‘model of support’ for Ukraine. However, it has been portrayed in pro-Russian narratives as a ‘fiasco.’ Reports have emerged since December 15, claiming that this brigade, trained and equipped by France, is experiencing ‘mass desertions.’ Allegedly, over 1,000 members have ‘fled the front line,’ suggesting that despite nine weeks of training in eastern France, the brigade’s approximately 2,000 Ukrainian soldiers may not be fully prepared for combat. We set out to confirm these claims.
Several social media posts reference a singular source, the English-speaking Telegram account ‘Military Summary Archive,’ which also has a Russian counterpart. Both sources cite a video by Youri Boutousov, a Ukrainian journalist. This footage was found in a live broadcast from December 13 on the commentator’s channel, which focuses on military issues.
Criticism and Strategic Decisions
In the video, Boutousov criticizes Ukraine’s ‘military and political leaders,’ claiming they decentralized the brigade upon its arrival at the front, creating multiple smaller units. To fill these units, the command allegedly recruited ‘several thousand inexperienced individuals’ from the streets and transported them in buses. Following a Russian breakthrough near Pokrovsk, he stated that ‘several hundred, more than a thousand people, went home immediately after.’ This situation was later discussed in the Ukrainian media, highlighting a lack of accountability from the authorities.
Ukrainian MP Mariana Bezuhla has echoed these concerns, expressing her disappointment on December 7 regarding the decentralization of the Anne of Kiev brigade. She has openly criticized military commanders and likened the brigade to a ‘zombie brigade’ created for publicity. However, a French military source explained that dividing elite units into smaller groups can have strategic benefits, such as facilitating rotations and deploying new soldiers in areas with high casualties.
Despite these strategic advantages, the recent Russian advances at Pokrovsk have led to a retreat among these troops, complicating their regrouping efforts. The Ukrainian army has refrained from commenting on the situation, while French military officials have stated that it is up to the Ukrainian forces to determine deployment conditions on their territory.
When asked about the alleged desertions, Bezuhla acknowledged a significant number of unauthorized absences among military personnel but clarified that this issue does not solely involve those trained in France. The challenges faced by the brigade are evident, as Colonel Dmitri Ryumshin was replaced by Colonel Taras Maksimov on December 11.
In an interview, Bezuhla criticized the overall ‘management quality’ of the Ukrainian army and underscored the need for allies to provide not only weaponry but also support for military management reforms. It’s important to note that the training provided by France included tactical employment education for the brigade’s staff.
In summary, the claim that 1,000 members of the brigade trained by France have deserted is misleading. This estimate stems from a military commentator’s observations of various units at the Pokrovsk front. Nonetheless, a vibrant debate is ongoing in Ukraine surrounding the Anne of Kiev brigade and its deployment strategies.
Unfortunately, authentic information has been distorted by pro-Russian networks, which have exaggerated statements to implicate France. The false narratives propagated since December 15 by various Russian propaganda outlets have further fueled this misinformation, including claims about the ‘fiasco’ of French support and its financial implications for taxpayers. This situation highlights how misinformation can be weaponized to undermine international support for Ukraine.