Several Ukrainian soldiers defected while training in France

The Ukrainian military has admitted that several soldiers from a newly formed brigade training in France have disappeared.

Dozens of Ukrainian soldiers have disappeared while training in France, a French military official said on January 6. "There are some absences but they are very few compared to the number of people undergoing training. They were in the French barracks and they have the right to go out," the official told AFP.

Ukraine investigates French-trained special brigade after desertion reports

According to the official, Ukrainian soldiers are subject to disciplinary rules imposed by the Ukrainian military and will not be criminally prosecuted in France for their absence. "If someone is absent, the French prosecutor has no right to arrest them. The authority granted to the Ukrainian authorities on French soil is only disciplinary," the official said.

There are 2,300 Ukrainian soldiers trained in France and supervised by 300 officers. They are members of the 155th Mechanized Brigade, one of the new brigades to be formed in 2024.

Members of the 155th Mechanized Brigade of Ukraine during training in France in November 2024

The 155th Brigade has 4,500 soldiers, of whom 2,200 were trained domestically. Ukrainian infantry commander Mykhailo Drapaty confirmed on January 6 that there were problems with the brigade. "Everything has been looked at, analyzed and some conclusions have been reached," Drapaty said.

Last week, the State Investigation Bureau of Ukraine opened an investigation into the absence of soldiers from the unit and a case of abuse of power by a military official.

Most of the soldiers in the 155th Brigade are new recruits with no combat experience. In December 2024, Ukrainian journalist Yuriy Butusov reported that 1,700 soldiers had defected from the brigade and 50 had deserted while training in France.

When asked about this information, Mr. Drapaty did not deny it and added: "Some of the facts stated did occur while perhaps not on the scale and extent as presented."

Previously, information from the Ukrainian media and parliamentarians showed that Brigade 155 was operating ineffectively and had been disbanded to supplement forces for other units.

Mr Drapaty said the creation of the brigade was a "negative lesson and experience" but stressed efforts were being made to make it effective.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/nhieu-binh-si-ukraine-bo-tron-khi-dang-huan-luyen-tai-phap-18525010710542003.htm