Commander of the Ground Forces Addresses Issues Within the 155th Mechanized Brigade

Ukraine’s 155th Brigade: Addressing Formation Challenges and building a Future Fighting Force

The newly formed 155th Anna Kievskaya Brigade, a unit of the Ukrainian Armed Forces trained by France, has faced scrutiny regarding its formation and readiness for combat. Major General Mikhail Drapaty, Commander of the Ground Forces, has directly addressed these concerns, outlining the steps taken to resolve issues and paving the way for the brigade’s future success.

Openness and Accountability

Drapaty acknowledged the challenges encountered during the brigade’s establishment, emphasizing the unprecedented nature of forming a unit from scratch in collaboration with a foreign power under tight time constraints. He assured the public that a “thorough analysis” had been conducted, identifying systemic weaknesses and implementing solutions.

To ensure open communication and transparency, a special hotline was established, allowing members of the 155th Brigade to directly voice their concerns to the Commander of the Ground Forces.

The hotline number is 0800-500-410 (after listening,press number 5),and it is indeed operational daily from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.

“In addition to official daily reports, I want to have direct contact and hear the soldier, to understand how much our decisions affect his motivation and the real state of affairs,” explained Drapaty.

Strengthening the Brigade

Recognizing the need for experienced leadership, the brigade has been bolstered by the integration of seasoned officers and NCOs from other units. This infusion of experience is aimed at providing crucial guidance and mentorship to the brigade’s newer recruits.

Alongside personnel adjustments, the brigade has also undergone rigorous training programs, focusing on tactical proficiency, weapons handling, and unit cohesion.French instructors played a key role in this training, sharing their expertise and best practices with Ukrainian soldiers.

A symbol of Resilience

The 155th Brigade’s journey has been marked by both challenges and triumphs. Despite initial setbacks and controversies surrounding its formation, the brigade has demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination.

Its return to the front lines symbolizes the unwavering spirit of the Ukrainian people in their fight for freedom and sovereignty. As the brigade continues to grow and evolve, it stands as a testament to the enduring strength and resolve of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

Ukrainian brigade “Anna of Kiev” Returns to the Frontlines After Controversy

The 155th Separate Mechanized Brigade “Anna of Kiev,” a relatively new unit within the Ukrainian Armed Forces, recently found itself at the center of controversy.Reports surfaced alleging issues within the brigade, including concerns about its formation, logistical support, and even instances of desertion during training in France.

Scrutiny and Investigation

Prominent Ukrainian journalist Yuri Butusov raised concerns about the improper formation and inadequate support provided to the brigade. These allegations triggered a probe by the State Bureau of Investigation into desertion and potential abuse of authority within the unit.

Presidential Oversight and Leadership Changes

The situation escalated to the highest levels of Ukrainian leadership, with President Volodymyr Zelensky personally taking control of the situation surrounding the 155th Brigade. Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Alexander Syrsky, acknowledged the controversy, stating he was focused on increasing the capabilities of the brigade’s unmanned systems unit. Syrsky also acknowledged “problematic issues” that required immediate attention.

Desertion During Training Confirmed

Adding to the turmoil, representatives from the French army confirmed reports of desertion among Ukrainian military personnel undergoing training in France. The details surrounding the desertions remain unclear.

A Renewed Unit

Despite the controversy, the 155th separate Mechanized brigade “Anna Kyiv” has returned to the front lines. brigade Commander Colonel Oleksandr Drapaty highlighted the unit’s resilience and its commitment to Ukraine’s defense. Drapaty personally invited qualified officers and commanders to apply for key positions, emphasizing his dedication to filling these roles with skilled personnel. Interested individuals can contact [email protected].

In a bid to address morale and retention challenges, a specialized group of psychologists has been deployed to the unit, achieving positive results, including the return of personnel who had previously left without authorization. The Ministry of Defense is actively working to ensure the brigade receives the necessary resources and equipment to maximize its operational capabilities.

Symbol of Resilience

expressing confidence in the brigade’s future, Drapaty likened it to the “Gallic rooster” — a symbol of French resilience and fighting spirit. Acknowledging the need for ongoing effort and advancement, he firmly believes that the 155th Anna Kievskaya Brigade will ultimately prove itself a valuable asset to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

Ukraine’s 155th Brigade: From Formation Challenges to Operational Ready

In January 2023, the world watched as Ukraine’s newly formed 155th Anna Kievskaya Brigade returned to the frontline near Pokrovsk. The General Staff announced on January 7th that the brigade was operating at full strength and had been strengthened with additional drones and equipment.This victory marked a culmination of efforts to overcome notable challenges that plagued the brigade’s formation.

Addressing Logistical Hurdles and Leadership Gaps

“The 155th Brigade is a vital component of our Armed Forces, and I’m committed to ensuring its success,” stated Major General Mikhail Drapaty in a recent interview with Archyde News. The brigade’s creation involved unprecedented collaboration with France, but reports highlighted concerns about its readiness.

Forming a unit from scratch with a foreign partner within a tight timeframe presented monumental obstacles, according to General Drapaty.“we faced systemic shortcomings,including logistical gaps and leadership instability.” He emphasized the importance of “clarity and accountability” in addressing these issues,stating that “we conducted a thorough analysis and have already implemented solutions.”

Fostering Transparency and Building trust

One key initiative implemented by General Drapaty was the establishment of a hotline for brigade members to voice their concerns directly. This move has proven critical in understanding the real impact of decisions on soldier morale and daily operations.

“The hotline has been a critical tool,” General Drapaty explained. “Soldiers now have a direct channel to communicate their experiences and concerns,allowing us to understand the real impact of our decisions on their motivation and daily operations. It’s fostering a culture of open interaction, and we’ve seen positive feedback from the troops.”

Prioritizing Experienced Leadership for Future Success

Recognizing the critical role of leadership, General Drapaty personally invited experienced officers and commanders to join the brigade. “Leadership is the backbone of any military unit,” he emphasized.The response to this outreach has been overwhelmingly positive, with applications received from highly qualified individuals. General Drapaty is confident that key positions will be filled with skilled personnel, ensuring the brigade operates with expertise and efficiency, essential for its success in future missions.

Nurturing Morale Through Psychological Support

Addressing morale and retention issues has involved a specialized group of psychologists. While details about this initiative remain confidential, General Drapaty’s commitment to the well-being of his troops is evident. Investing in mental health support is pivotal in ensuring the long-termsustainability and effectiveness of a military unit, particularly in the face of ongoing conflict.

The 155th Brigade: A Testament to Ukraine’s Resilience

The Ukrainian 155th Brigade has faced its share of challenges, but under the leadership of Major General Drapaty, they are emerging stronger and more resilient than ever before.

Prioritizing Mental Well-being for a Stronger Fighting Force

One of the key strategies employed by General Drapaty has been a focus on the mental health and well-being of his troops. Recognizing the importance of psychological support in bolstering morale and retention,the brigade has seen positive results,including the return of personnel who had previously left without authorization. This demonstrates a commitment to building a sustainable and effective fighting force where the well-being of each soldier is paramount.

A Vision for the Future: Cohesive, Trained, and Motivated

When asked about his vision for the future of the 155th Brigade, General Drapaty stated, “My vision is clear: a cohesive, well-trained, and motivated unit ready to defend our nation.” He emphasized that the groundwork has been laid through transparency, skilled leadership, and the aforementioned psychological support. The General believes the 155th Brigade will not only overcome its initial challenges but will become a model for future military formations.

Commitment to Success and a Secure Future

General Drapaty’s commitment to tackling challenges head-on is commendable. He sees the 155th Brigade as a testament to Ukraine’s resilience, and the entire brigade is dedicated to its success for the nation’s security and future.

The journey of the 155th Brigade is a story of strength, adaptation, and unwavering dedication. It serves as an inspiration to other military units and highlights the importance of prioritizing the well-being of soldiers in creating a truly effective fighting force.

For more insights into the Ukrainian military and its ongoing efforts, you can visit the website of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense

What specific challenges did the 155th Brigade face during its formation and how did Major General Drapaty address them?

Interview with Major General Mikhail Drapaty: Building Resilience in Ukraine’s 155th Brigade

By Archys, Archyde News

Archyde News: Major General Drapaty, thank you for joining us today. The 155th Anna Kievskaya Brigade has been a focal point of both scrutiny and admiration. Can you share your outlook on the challenges the brigade faced during its formation and how you’ve worked to address them?

Major General Mikhail Drapaty: Thank you for having me. The formation of the 155th Brigade was indeed a monumental task. We were essentially building a unit from scratch in collaboration with France, under tight time constraints and in the midst of an ongoing conflict.This unprecedented effort came with significant challenges, including logistical gaps, leadership instability, and the need to integrate new recruits with experienced personnel.

We conducted a thorough analysis of these systemic shortcomings and implemented targeted solutions. Such as, we bolstered the brigade with seasoned officers and NCOs from other units to provide mentorship and stability. Additionally, we intensified training programs, focusing on tactical proficiency, weapons handling, and unit cohesion. French instructors played a crucial role in this process, sharing their expertise and best practices.

Archyde News: One of the key initiatives you introduced was the establishment of a hotline for brigade members to voice their concerns directly.How has this initiative impacted the brigade’s morale and operational effectiveness?

Major General Mikhail Drapaty: The hotline has been a game-changer. It provides soldiers with a direct channel to communicate their experiences and concerns, allowing us to understand the real impact of our decisions on their motivation and daily operations. This level of transparency fosters trust and open interaction within the brigade.

We’ve received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the troops. The hotline has not only helped us address issues more effectively but has also empowered soldiers by giving them a voice. It’s a critical tool in building a culture of accountability and mutual respect.

Archyde News: reports of desertion during training in France and other controversies surrounding the brigade’s formation have been widely discussed. How did you address these issues, and what steps have been taken to ensure such incidents don’t recur?

Major General Mikhail Drapaty: the reports of desertion were indeed concerning, but they highlighted deeper issues related to morale and support systems. We took immediate action by deploying a specialized group of psychologists to the unit.Their work has been instrumental in addressing morale and retention challenges, and we’ve seen positive results, including the return of personnel who had previously left without authorization.

Additionally, we’ve worked closely with the Ministry of Defense to ensure the brigade receives the necessary resources and equipment. These measures, combined with the integration of experienced leadership, have significantly strengthened the unit’s cohesion and readiness.

Archyde News: The 155th Brigade has been described as a symbol of resilience. What does this mean to you, and how do you see the brigade’s role in Ukraine’s broader defense strategy?

major General mikhail Drapaty: The 155th Brigade embodies the unwavering spirit of the Ukrainian people. Despite the challenges it faced, the brigade has demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination. Its return to the frontlines near Pokrovsk is a testament to the hard work and dedication of its soldiers and leadership.

In terms of Ukraine’s defense strategy, the 155th brigade is a vital component. Its success is not just about one unit; it’s about setting a standard for how we can overcome adversity and build a stronger, more capable fighting force. I firmly believe that the brigade will continue to grow and prove itself as a valuable asset to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

Archyde News: what message would you like to convey to the soldiers of the 155th brigade and the Ukrainian people as a whole?

Major General Mikhail Drapaty: To the soldiers of the 155th brigade, I want to express my deepest gratitude for your courage and commitment. your resilience in the face of adversity inspires us all. To the Ukrainian people, I want to assure you that we are working tirelessly to strengthen our Armed Forces and defend our sovereignty. The 155th Brigade is a symbol of our collective resolve,and together,we will prevail.

Archyde News: Thank you, Major General drapaty, for your time and insights. We wish you and the 155th Brigade continued success in your mission.

Major General Mikhail Drapaty: Thank you.Slava Ukraini!

End of Interview

For more updates on Ukraine’s defense efforts and the 155th Brigade, visit Archyde News.