Overview

• The 155th Mechanized Brigade, partially trained and equipped by France, has seen 1,700 soldiers desert and suffered heavy losses in its first deployment near Pokrovsk.
• Ukraine’s State Bureau of Investigation has launched a probe into allegations of abuse of power and mass desertions within the brigade, known as 'Anne of Kyiv.'
• The brigade, which was meant to bolster Ukraine’s defenses with advanced equipment like Leopard 2 tanks and Caesar howitzers, lacked critical supplies such as drones and electronic warfare tools.
• Leadership upheaval and poor preparation have led to the brigade being disbanded, with its remaining personnel redistributed to more experienced units defending Pokrovsk.
• Critics argue that prioritizing the creation of new brigades over reinforcing existing battle-hardened units has weakened Ukraine’s overall military strategy.