Ukraine's French-Trained Brigade Faces Desertion Scandal and Operational Challenges

The Anne of Kyiv Brigade, hailed as a symbol of NATO cooperation, struggles with desertions, equipment shortages, and systemic military issues.

The Anne of Kyiv Brigade, trained and equipped by France, was intended to showcase Ukraine's NATO integration but has faced significant setbacks since its creation.
Reports allege that 1,700 soldiers deserted the unit, including 50 during training in France, raising concerns about morale and discipline within the brigade.
The brigade's initial deployment near Pokrovsk revealed critical challenges, including a lack of drones, reassignment of artillery, and organizational chaos, according to Ukrainian journalist Yuriy Butusov.
Ukrainian military officials have acknowledged systemic issues, including leadership problems and remnants of Soviet-era command structures, which have hampered operational efficiency.
Despite the controversy, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and military leadership are taking steps to address the problems, emphasizing reforms to meet NATO standards and improve coordination.