Dozens of Ukrainian Soldiers Deserted During Training in France

Dozens of Ukrainian soldiers are deserted while undergoing training in France, according to a French army official. The soldiers, part of a Ukrainian brigade known as “Anne of Kyiv,” had been receiving training on French soil to improve their preparedness for the ongoing conflict with Russia. Despite the desertions, the French army stressed that the number of soldiers who left was minimal compared to the total number who underwent training.
The soldiers, mostly conscripts without prior combat experience, were trained at French military facilities under the supervision of Ukrainian commanders. While in French barracks, the soldiers were allowed to leave, which is common practice during such training. However, the French army clarified that desertion is not a criminal matter in France, and the Ukrainian military retains authority over any disciplinary actions.
Ukraine’s Land Forces Commander, Mykhailo Drapaty, acknowledged the desertions, admitting there were “problems” within the unit. Some reports suggested that 1,700 soldiers from the brigade had deserted, with 50 of those leaving while training in France. While Drapaty did not deny these reports, he downplayed the scale of the desertions.
The situation reflects the ongoing challenges faced by Ukraine as it works to strengthen its military in preparation for future Russian offensives. Despite the desertions, the training program in France remains a key part of Ukraine’s efforts to enhance its defensive capabilities. The incident also highlights the complex nature of military training abroad and the coordination between Ukraine and France in addressing these challenges.