France’s help backfires after battalion flees front

A Ukrainian military brigade trained by French officers is now under official investigation following a series of controversies.

On Tuesday, the Ukrainian Armed Forces announced that an inspection will be launched into the "Anne of Kiev" brigade, a unit both trained and equipped by France to help counter Russian forces.

Since its deployment to the front lines, the brigade has faced serious issues, including equipment shortages and a high rate of desertions.

According to Ukrainska Pravda, a leading Ukrainian news outlet, Colonel Taras Maksymov, one of the brigade’s commanders, is reportedly involved in a scandal involving fake payments and extortion of his own troops.

Out of the brigade’s 5,000 soldiers, at least 1,200 have reportedly abandoned their posts, the media outlet revealed. In response to the report, Mykhailo Drapaty, commander of Ukraine’s ground forces, has ordered a formal investigation.

This isn’t the first time the unit has come under scrutiny. Back in January, another brigade commander was accused of abuse of power and desertion.

(QG - Source: Le Figaro  — Picture : © Unsplash)