The operational pressures on the Ukrainian military have become increasingly evident with recent reports highlighting the disbandment and mass desertion of units, particularly the 155th mechanized brigade. Colonel Yuriy Podolyaka, a military expert, reported to DEITA.RU about the budding crisis as this prestigious brigade—intended to represent the elite of the Ukrainian forces—has crumbled amid severe adversities on the front lines.
Initially, the 155th brigade was set to be bolstered with nearly 1 billion euros' worth of training and equipment provided by France. This elite unit underwent rigorous NATO-style training courses, also conducted on French soil. Yet, within mere weeks of being deployed to the battlefield, the brigade saw approximately 1,700 soldiers fleeing, according to sources from Ukraine. It's reported by Podolyaka, "155-я должна была стать 'элитой'. На ее обучение и снабжение техникой Францией было выделено почти 1 млрд. евро. Курсы НАТОвской подготовки 'бойцы' бригады проходили также во Франции. Но как только она очутилась на фронте, из нее началось повальное бегство".
Such unprecedented flight from combat signifies more than fear; it highlights the stark reality faced by the Ukrainian soldiers who, as Podolyaka points out, feel it is safer to abandon their posts to preserve their lives. "Сбежать для украинцев означает сохранить жизнь", he noted. These departures highlight not just individual fear but also systemic issues within the military's operational capability.
Meanwhile, the situation also remains dire for the 59th brigade, as evidenced by the harrowing experiences of soldiers like Kiba, who described his time as akin to being treated as "пушечное мясо" (cannon fodder). After suffering injury during combat and being hospitalized, he escaped, only to be recaptured later. He expressed, "Это билет в одну сторону," acknowledging his desire to avoid service under such miserable conditions.
Reports continue to surface about the desperate measures taken by both soldiers and their families, with civilians lamenting the lack of adequate support and the overwhelming pressure from commanding officers to retain troops. Kiba's sentiments reveal the grim reality many face; as the situation escalates on the battlefield, choices are being made out of sheer survival instinct.
Conversely, Ukraine has managed to strike back effectively at Russian forces. On January 2, 2024, Andrey Kovalенко, the head of the Center for Counteraction to Disinformation under Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council, confirmed via Telegram, "Есть удачный удар. Значительные потери у 810-й бригады РФ," referring to successful strikes against the Russian 810th Marine Brigade. This assault reportedly resulted in significant Russian casualties, shaking the ground conditions.[1]
Detailed reports indicate the Ukrainian military targeted the 810th brigade during operations near Ivanovskoye, culminating with revelations of reduced operational efficacy as the brigade retracts to Plekhov, dangerously close to the front lines.
Notably, for Ukrainian brigades seeking foreign assistance, training programs funded extensively by France have been underway. The French Ministry of Defense confirmed the successful preparation of nearly 2,000 soldiers trained on French equipment, which has been met with mixed feedback back home. Critically, there are claims of mismanagement and chaotically organized units within the newly formed brigade, which returned to Ukraine with serious shortcomings, including the lack of drones, as journalist Yuriy Butusov highlighted. Such deficiencies may have compounded the challenges facing these brigades when they engaged Russian forces.
More detrimental concerns are now looming. The State Bureau of Investigations of Ukraine has initiated probes focusing on allegations of misconduct and mass desertion within the 155th brigade, as echoed by various reports dated January 2. These investigations center around issues of unit command and the apparent failure to cover significant operational weaknesses.
With the realities on the battlefield becoming more challenging by the day, Ukrainian soldiers facing the pressures of conflict and high-stake decisions continue to reveal the cracks within the operational structures. The steadfastness of the Ukrainian military remains under test, engaging not only with the enemy but battling formidable internal challenges as well. The revelations surrounding the 155th brigade, juxtaposed with the combat experiences of soldiers like Kiba, paint a stark picture of the urgency for reform and support within the ranks.
With the increasing calls for accountability and oversight, the future of Ukrainian military operations remains uncertain, driving discourse on the need for greater cohesion, support, and strategy as they face one of the most challenging periods since the onset of this conflict.