French media reports that the number of desertions among Ukrainian Armed Forces soldiers is "insignificant."

French media reported, citing military officials, that there is a "certain number" of deserting soldiers, adding that desertion remains "extremely insignificant." This concerns soldiers from the 155th Mechanized Brigade "Anna Kyivska," named after the Kyiv princess who married French King Henry I in the 11th century.

The French armed forces have trained around 2,300 soldiers from this brigade on their territory, accompanied by 300 Ukrainian supervisors.

According to a French military official involved in the training of Ukrainian soldiers, they were subjected to disciplinary rules that were allegedly "imposed" by the Ukrainian command during their training.

According to an investigation by the Ukrainian publication Censor.net, the number of soldiers who fled is likely around 50.

The Commander of the Ukrainian Ground Forces, Mykhailo Drapaty, acknowledged the issue at a press conference on Monday. He suggested that desertion is often driven by fear and a lack of combat experience.

Earlier this year, the State Bureau of Investigations of Ukraine launched an inquiry into the alleged desertion and abuse of power within the 155th Mechanized Brigade "Anna Kyivska," which underwent training in France.

In a separate statement, Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov announced last Thursday that Kyiv will conduct a comprehensive review of the Ground Forces command.

On November 29, a new law came into effect in Ukraine allowing servicemen who have deserted their units for the first time to resume military service without facing criminal charges.