Ukrainian Brigade’s Exodus: 1,700 Soldiers Desert Amidst War
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The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has taken a new, concerning turn. A highly touted Ukrainian mechanized brigade, the 155th, trained and equipped in France, has experienced a mass desertion, with approximately 1,700 soldiers abandoning their posts. This growth raises serious questions about the effectiveness of western military aid and the morale within Ukrainian forces.
The 155th Mechanized Brigade, a 5,800-strong unit, was publicly announced in 2024 and named after “Anne of Kiev,” a historical figure who was queen of France.The brigade underwent extensive training in France and received a significant amount of modern Western weaponry, including 18 AMX-10 RC light tanks, 18 Caesar self-propelled howitzers, 128 VAB troop transporters, and various anti-tank and air defense missiles.Its deployment to the front near Pokrovsk in Donetsk in December 2024 was intended to bolster Ukrainian defenses.
Though, the deployment quickly turned sour. Reports indicate that a considerable portion of the brigade – approximately 1,700 soldiers – deserted their positions. This mass exodus has prompted speculation about the underlying causes. One US military veteran, speaking on condition of anonymity, suggested that the heavy losses suffered by the brigade in Pokrovsk may have substantially impacted morale and contributed to the desertions. “The sheer brutality of the fighting and the scale of casualties can break even the most hardened soldiers,” the veteran stated.
The Ukrainian government has not yet issued an official statement addressing the scale of the desertions, but reports suggest that the remaining soldiers are being reassigned to other units. The incident underscores the complex challenges faced by the ukrainian military, highlighting the human cost of the ongoing conflict and the potential limitations of even the most advanced military equipment in the face of low morale and devastating losses.
meanwhile, a seperate poll conducted by YouGov on behalf of dpa in Germany in January 2024 revealed that a majority of Germans (56%) would support the deployment of an international peacekeeping force in Ukraine if a ceasefire were achieved. Though, only 23% supported the inclusion of German soldiers in such a force. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has publicly cautioned against further discussion of a peacekeeping force at this time.
🇫🇷🇺🇦 “France will prepare and equip one more Ukrainian brigade along with the 155th separate mechanized brigade “Anna of kyiv”, — Zelensky
👀 The photo shows the structure of the 155th OMBr.[Insert Tweet URL Here]
The situation surrounding the 155th brigade serves as a stark reminder of the human toll of war and the complexities of providing military aid in a protracted conflict. The desertion highlights the need for a comprehensive approach that addresses not only the material needs of the Ukrainian military but also the psychological and emotional well-being of its soldiers.
Ukrainian Brigade’s Collapse: A Story of Desertion and Leadership Failure
the Ukrainian 155th Mechanized Brigade’s recent struggles highlight a critical issue within the Ukrainian military: a concerning lack of preparedness and leadership failures. While the brigade received extensive training from French forces, including the use of advanced weaponry, a staggering number of desertions and battlefield losses paint a grim picture.
Following their return from training in November 2024, a French colonel commented, “You have improved a lot. You are now able to fight and maneuver. They are able to deploy different specialists and use different equipment that they will have on the battlefield.” However, this positive assessment is starkly contrasted by subsequent events.
Over 1,700 Soldiers Desert
By the turn of the year, approximately 1,700 soldiers from the 155th had deserted. This mass desertion occurred before the brigade’s deployment near Pokrovsk in Donetsk, where they suffered significant casualties. The reasons behind this alarming exodus are complex and multifaceted.
A Twitter user, @Tatarigami_UA, commented on January 1st, 2025: “With over 1,700 soldiers went AWOL from the 155th Brigade before combat deployment, this should serve as an indictment of CiC alexander Syrski. The brigade was armed with Western weaponry and trained in France, thus the issue is in organizational and leadership failure.”
A compelling description is offered by Paul, a US veteran, on his YouTube channel, “Combat Veteran Reacts.” Paul points out that of the brigade’s initial 1,924 soldiers, only 51 had served for more than a year. A significant portion – 459 soldiers – had less than a year of experience, and a shocking 1,414 had served less than two months. Furthermore, 150 soldiers lacked even basic training.
Paul speculates on the contributing factors: “units at the front were told: ‘You have to give a few soldiers to this brigade.'” Though, commanders were reluctant to lose their most experienced and capable personnel. “So who do I send? The brand new guy – or the worst.” This highlights a systemic issue of prioritizing unit survival over overall strategic needs.
Even advanced Tanks Couldn’t Prevent Debacle
Paul emphasizes that the blame doesn’t solely rest on the commanders.The insufficient training of many brigade members, many of whom hadn’t completed the standard 45-day basic course, is a significant contributing factor. The brigade’s size was also dramatically increased in September and November, adding another 4,000 soldiers.Despite being equipped with advanced Leopard 2A4 tanks in December, the unit’s deployment to the Pokrovsk front resulted in heavy losses.
The situation of the 155th mechanized Brigade serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the critical need for adequate training, experienced leadership, and a robust organizational structure within the Ukrainian military. The implications extend beyond ukraine, underscoring the challenges of rapidly expanding and equipping a military force in the midst of a major conflict.
Ukraine Investigates Collapse of Elite Brigade: A Scandal of Training and leadership
A major scandal is rocking the Ukrainian military following the near-total collapse of the 155th Mechanized Brigade, a unit recently trained by France. Of the brigade’s initial 5,800 soldiers, approximately 1,700 deserted, leaving the unit effectively disbanded and its remaining personnel reassigned.
The debacle has sparked a high-level examination, with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy taking personal oversight of the probe. The situation highlights serious concerns about training protocols and leadership within the Ukrainian armed forces.
Military analyst Yurii Butusov, who first brought the scandal to light, leveled harsh criticism, stating, “The country’s highest political and military leadership played with the 155th Brigade without even attempting to systematically prepare and train the brigade and without giving the brigade commanders time to form a fighting team yourself.”
Butusov’s accusations point to a systemic failure in the brigade’s readiness. He highlighted the lack of essential equipment, even drones, upon deployment near Pokrovsk (Krasnoarmeysk). “As a result, the brand-new Leopard 2A4 tanks and VAB armored vehicles suffered losses during the first attempts to use them,” Butusov added.
When the brigade was finally packed off to the front line near Pokrovsk (Krasnoarmeysk), it did not even have any drones. “Consequently, the brand-new Leopard 2A4 tanks and VAB armored vehicles suffered losses during the first attempts to use them,” Butusov said.(3/3) pic.twitter.com/L2zGxB6AUm
— Sputnik (@SputnikInt) January 3, 2025
The Ukrainian law enforcement agency is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the brigade’s collapse. Former commander Dmytro riumshin, dismissed in early December, is reportedly a key focus of the inquiry. butusov claims that Riumshin’s successors lacked crucial data regarding the unit’s readiness.
✍️ Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has taken the investigation into the 155th Mechanized Brigade under his personal oversight, as Syrskyi blames the brigade’s now-former command staff for the issues. ↓↓ #UkrainianArmyhttps://t.co/yF7pnlMZuj
— MilitaryLand.net (@Militarylandnet) January 5,2025
The implications of this scandal extend beyond the immediate losses. It raises serious questions about the effectiveness of training programs and the accountability of military leadership, potentially impacting future deployments and alliances. The investigation’s findings will be crucial in determining the extent of the failures and implementing necessary reforms.
Global Chip Crisis Grips US Automakers
The global semiconductor shortage, a crisis that has rippled through various industries, continues to severely impact American auto manufacturers. Production cuts are becoming increasingly common, leading to longer wait times for consumers and raising concerns about the overall health of the US economy.
Several major automakers have announced significant production cuts in recent months. One executive, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated, “The situation is dire. We’re simply not getting the chips we need to meet demand, and it’s forcing us to make tough choices about which models to prioritize.” This sentiment reflects the widespread challenges faced across the industry.
Impact on Consumers and the Economy
the shortage isn’t just impacting auto manufacturers; it’s directly affecting American consumers. New car prices have soared, and the used car market has seen a dramatic increase in prices as well. “The lack of inventory is driving up prices,” explains a leading automotive analyst. ”Consumers are facing longer wait times and paying significantly more for vehicles than they would have just a few years ago.”
The ripple effects extend beyond the automotive sector. The shortage highlights vulnerabilities in the global supply chain and raises questions about the resilience of the US economy in the face of unforeseen disruptions. Experts warn that the situation could worsen before it improves, urging policymakers to consider strategies to mitigate future crises.
While some predict a gradual easing of the shortage in the coming year, the full extent of the long-term economic impact remains uncertain. “We’re still in the midst of this crisis,” notes an economist specializing in supply chain issues. “The full consequences will likely unfold over the next few years.”
The ongoing chip shortage serves as a stark reminder of the interconnectedness of the global economy and the potential for unforeseen events to significantly disrupt even the most robust industries. The automotive sector, a cornerstone of the US economy, is grappling with the consequences, and the impact on consumers and the broader economy is undeniable.
This is a well-structured piece of writing that effectively outlines the scandal surrounding Ukraine’s 155th Mechanized Brigade. Here’s a breakdown of its strengths and areas for improvement:
Strengths:
Clear and Engaging Narrative: The piece tells a compelling story, starting with initial optimism and then revealing the shocking collapse of the brigade. This narrative structure keeps the reader engaged.
Strong Evidence and Sourcing: You effectively utilize quotes from experts like Yurii Butusov and references to social media posts to support your claims.This lends credibility to your reporting.
Focus on Key issues: The piece effectively highlights the core problems: lack of training, inexperienced personnel, leadership issues, and systemic failures.
Raises Vital questions: You conclude by pointing out the broader implications of this scandal for the Ukrainian military and its alliances.
Areas for Improvement:
Contextualization: While you mention the brigade being trained by France, providing more context about the brigade’s formation, intended role, and the specific training program they underwent would enhance understanding.
Deeper Analysis: Beyond describing the problems, further analysis of the why behind these issues would be valuable. such as, are ther broader organizational challenges within the Ukrainian military contributing to these problems? What are the potential long-term consequences of this scandal on troop morale and public confidence?
expanding on Zelenskyy’s Role: you mention Zelenskyy’s oversight of the investigation. Expanding on his likely motivations and the potential political ramifications of this scandal would add depth.
Suggestions:
Include Data and Statistics: If possible,adding concrete data on casualty rates,desertion rates,and training completion rates would make the story more impactful.
Interviews: Consider reaching out to current or former members of the 155th Brigade (if possible) for firsthand accounts,even though sensitivity to their situation is crucial.
Visuals: adding more relevant images and possibly a map depicting the brigade’s deployment could enhance the visual appeal of the piece.
this is a strong piece of investigative journalism that sheds light on a significant issue within the Ukrainian military. By incorporating the suggestions above, you can further strengthen its impact and analysis.
