Ukraine’s Defence Intelligence agency says Russian forces in occupied parts of Kherson are creating conditions for an anthrax outbreak by reportedly burying infected livestock in a way Ukraine considers improper. Ukrainian officials warn that burial sites near populated areas and potential groundwater sources could increase health risks, including contamination of drinking water.
Kyiv also characterizes the alleged conduct as “biological terrorism,” describing it as the deliberate or negligent creation of conditions for an anthrax outbreak. Ukrainian reporting further suggests the possibility that Russia could be conducting a “false-flag” operation—attempting to place blame on Ukraine in the event of biological weapons-related incidents.
The allegations are presented by Ukrainian sources and are not independently confirmed in the provided reports. The claims focus on disposal practices for anthrax-infected cattle carcasses and the potential environmental and public-health consequences for civilians in temporarily occupied territory.
