Russian forces are deliberately creating conditions for the spread of anthrax pathogens in the occupied territories of Ukraine’s Kherson region, according to Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate.
The agency reported that the threat stems from the disposal of livestock infected with anthrax at animal burial sites across the occupied region. There are up to 50 such sites in the area, with around ten considered particularly dangerous, including those located near the settlements of Askania-Nova, Skadovsk, and Zaliznyi Port.
According to Intelligence, Russian forces are disposing of infected animals without observing any sanitary regulations. Rather than incinerating the carcasses, they are simply burying them. Many of these burial sites are in a state of severe neglect and are situated close to roads and populated areas, with some located less than one kilometer from residential zones.
The burial grounds lack proper fencing and other protective infrastructure. Over time, the soil covering the graves has subsided, while the Russian administration has failed to carry out the maintenance required to ensure biological safety.
Some of the sites are located in areas with high groundwater levels, further increasing the risk of anthrax contamination. Anthrax spores can remain viable in soil for decades and, in some cases, for more than a century.
Intelligence Directorate emphasized that the uncontrolled burial of infected livestock and the neglect of safety measures at these disposal sites pose a direct threat to civilians living in the occupied territories, as well as to the agricultural sector of the Kherson region due to the heightened risk of soil contamination and infection of healthy animals.
The intelligence agency also warned that Russia could potentially use these animal burial grounds as part of a false-flag operation. Such a scenario could involve both physical incidents at sites containing anthrax sources and an accompanying information campaign, including possible accusations that Ukraine is developing or using so-called biological weapons.
