Mismanagement of the 155th army brigade has raised concerns about Kiev’s military command
Ukraine’s 155th Mechanized Brigade, trained and funded by France, has faced major setbacks after mass desertions and internal mismanagement, The Economist reported on Thursday, citing the findings of Yury Butusov, the founder of the Censor.net news website.
The 155th brigade was initially announced at the D-Day anniversary ceremony in June 2024 and was intended to be a showcase of NATO support for Kiev. France financed its training and equipment, spending an estimated €900 million ($930 million). Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky expected it to be the first of 14 new Western-backed brigades.
However, since November, Butusov has reported that the deployment was plagued by disorganization. Around 1,700 soldiers – one-third of the brigade – were said to have gone absent without leave, with some returning to their old units and 50 others deserting while still in France.
While France fulfilled its commitments by delivering Caesar howitzers, armored vehicles, and anti-tank missiles, Ukraine is said to have failed to provide the brigade with essential drones and electronic warfare capabilities. Butusov reported that upon returning from France, the brigade was broken up, with its equipment reassigned and trained specialists moved to infantry roles. Meanwhile, inexperienced soldiers were deployed to frontline positions, where they suffered heavy losses.
The issues were confirmed to The Economist by a commander of the 155th battalion under the callsign Nick. He stated that when the brigade was initially sent to France, it only had a handful of soldiers with combat experience. Upon returning, some of the unit’s officers were held back for additional training while others were immediately sent to areas of heavy fighting.
Butusov reported that the failures surrounding the 155th brigade have also become a point of frustration for Ukraine’s Western backers, who have complained that they have no say in Kiev’s strategic decisions.
In response to the botched deployment of the 155th brigade, Zelensky reportedly ordered an investigation into “abuses of power.” However, Butusov has argued that the failures stem from Ukraine’s high command, pointing to failed mobilization policies, as well as generals that allegedly disregard negative assessments.
According to The Economist, many are now arguing that Ukraine should focus on reinforcing existing brigades rather than forming new ones. While the US has pledged to help form two new brigades, and Germany one, political transitions in both countries are likely to delay these plans, the outlet said, adding that Zelensky has reportedly ordered a temporary halt to new brigade formations.
Russia has repeatedly condemned Western military aid and assistance to Ukraine as direct involvement in the conflict and claimed that NATO’s support only prolongs the hostilities.
