Desertion Rates of Ukrainian Soldiers in France
A concerning trend has emerged among Ukrainian soldiers undergoing training in France, as a number of them have reportedly deserted. A French army official disclosed to AFP on Monday that while a few dozen soldiers have left, these desertions are considered minimal in relation to the total number of trainees. The official stated, “There have been a certain number of desertions, but they remain very marginal given the volume of people who have undergone training.”
The training process for these soldiers took place within French military facilities, where they were allowed to leave the barracks. The French army official clarified that the Ukrainian soldiers were subject to a disciplinary framework established by their own command. Notably, the French authorities do not classify desertion as a criminal act, meaning that any soldier who deserted could not be arrested by a French prosecutor.
Training Overview of the Ukrainian Brigade
The French army has been actively involved in training Ukrainian troops, with approximately 2,300 soldiers from a brigade named “Anne of Kyiv” receiving instruction. This brigade is named after a historical figure from Kyiv who was married to French King Henri I in the 11th century. Many of these soldiers are conscripts without previous combat experience, and they were accompanied by 300 Ukrainian supervisors throughout their training.
In addition to the training conducted in France, a significant number of soldiers, around 2,200, completed their training back in Ukraine. This structured approach aims to bolster the capabilities of the Ukrainian military as it prepares for potential confrontations.
Acknowledgment of Issues Within the Unit
In light of recent reports regarding desertions, Ukraine’s land forces commander has publicly acknowledged the existence of “problems” within the military unit. This specific unit, known informally as the 155th Mechanized Brigade, has faced scrutiny as it was established last year in response to the evolving threat from Russia. Commander Mykhailo Drapaty confirmed the challenges, stating, “Yes, there are problems; we are aware of them.”
Prominent journalist Yuriy Butusov previously reported that approximately 1,700 soldiers fled the brigade without ever engaging in combat, with 50 of those deserting during their training in France. When asked to comment on this report, Drapaty did not dispute the claims, admitting that “a number of the facts presented did occur,” although he implied that the extent may be overestimated.
French Perspective on Desertion
A French army official weighed in on the situation, noting that there have been no instances of misconduct or abuse of power associated with the Ukrainian soldiers in France. The official emphasized that no incriminating evidence has emerged regarding the actions of these soldiers or the nature of their training. Furthermore, he highlighted that the training was tailored to meet the preferences of the Ukrainian side concerning both equipment and training duration.
The insights provided by the French army suggest a collaborative effort aimed at enhancing the operational effectiveness of the Ukrainian military. Nonetheless, the issue of desertion raises important questions about the morale and readiness of the Ukrainian forces during a critical period.
