It was supposed to be the showpiece of Nato’s support for the war in Ukraine – the first of 14 almost entirely Western-trained and equipped brigades that would push back the advancing Russian army.

In reality, the 155th Separate Mechanised Brigade was, in the words of one Ukrainian war correspondent, “from its first days, complete organisational chaos”.

Announced during D-Day commemorations in Normandy last June by Emmanuel Macron, the brigade was given the finest French military instructors and weaponry at a cost of more than €900 million.

But before the 155th ever fired a shot in anger, it was dogged with scandals and claims of rampant mismanagement. At least 1,700 troops had gone AWOL, including dozens in France, its commander had been fired, and it was fast becoming a major headache for both Volodymyr Zelensky and Macron.

Now, the 155th – also known as the “Anne of Kyiv” brigade after the 11th century Kyiv princess who became a French queen – has disintegrated, with its few combat-ready troops sent to reinforce other units.

The shambolic formation of the 155th was enough for Mr Zelensky to pull the plug on any future Western-sponsored brigades.