In France, authorities confirmed the desertion of Ukrainian soldiers from the “Anna of Kyiv” brigade within the republic’s territory

The French Ministry of Armed Forces has confirmed that “dozens” of Ukrainian soldiers undergoing training in France deserted while on French territory.

This information reported according to the RTE television channel.

“There were a certain number of desertion cases. They were in French barracks and had the right to leave,” an official stated.

The official explained that the Ukrainian servicemen, who were being trained in France, were subject to disciplinary regulations “established by the Ukrainian command.”

“In France, desertion is not a criminal offense. If someone deserted, the French prosecutor did not have the authority to arrest that person. The authority granted to Ukrainian officials on French territory is purely disciplinary,” the official said.

Earlier, journalist Yuriy Butusov reported that 50 Ukrainian soldiers from the “Anna of Kyiv” Brigade deserted while in France. He also claimed that after the brigade returned to Ukraine, 1,700 personnel left without permission.

Ukraine’s State Bureau of Investigation has announced it is investigating media reports about the situation within the 155th Mechanized Brigade “Anna of Kyiv.”