Ukraine Faces Setbacks as French-Trained Brigade Collapses Near Pokrovsk

The 155th Mechanized Brigade, plagued by desertions and leadership failures, struggles to hold the line against advancing Russian forces in eastern Ukraine.

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.