'Biological terrorism' in occupied Ukraine? Kyiv claims Russia risking deadly outbreak

Could a decades-old livestock burial ground become the next flashpoint in the Russia-Ukraine war?Ukraine's military intelligence has alleged that Russian forces are creating conditions for the spread of anthrax in occupied parts of the Kherson region by improperly disposing of infected livestock, raising concerns over potential public health risks and what Kyiv describes as a possible "false-flag" operation. The statement was published on Ukraine's Defence Intelligence (DIU) official website.The intelligence agency said there are up to 50 livestock burial grounds in the occupied part of the region, with around 10 considered particularly dangerous, including sites near Askania-Nova, Skadovsk and Zaliznyi Port. According to the DIU, infected animal carcasses are being buried instead of incinerated and "without complying with any sanitary standards."The agency alleged that many of the burial sites are in a neglected condition, located close to roads and settlements, with some lying less than one kilometre from residential areas. It further claimed that the sites lack fencing and other protective infrastructure, while the occupying authorities have failed to maintain them to ensure biological safety.Ukraine's military intelligence also warned that several burial grounds are located in areas with high groundwater levels, increasing the possibility of contamination. It noted that the anthrax pathogen can remain viable in soil for decades or even up to a century, posing what it described as a direct threat to civilians and the agricultural sector in occupied Kherson.Calling the alleged actions "an act of biological terrorism against civilians living in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine," the DIU said the "deliberate or negligent creation of conditions for an anthrax outbreak is yet another crime committed by the aggressor state of Russia."The agency also claimed that "it cannot be ruled out that Russia may use these burial sites to stage a false-flag operation," alleging that such an operation could involve both a strike on anthrax-contaminated burial grounds and "an information and propaganda campaign aimed at accusing Ukraine of developing or using so-called 'biological' weapons."Russia has not publicly responded to the allegations, and the claims have not been independently verified.Catch the latest world news and top headlines. Download the TOI App.