Both Ukrainian and Russian troops are reportedly facing significant issues due to an unusual increase in rat and mice infestations in several sectors of the frontline, British intelligence said in its daily report on 23 December.
The mild autumn, combined with the abundance of food from unharvested fields left fallow amidst the fighting, has likely led to the surge in the rodent population. As temperatures drop, these rodents are increasingly seeking shelter in military vehicles and defensive positions.
The presence of these pests is highly troublesome, with UK intel stating that “rodents will add further pressure to frontline combatants’ morale.”
There’s also a practical concern: rodents are known for gnawing through cables. Historical precedence exists for this issue, as similar incidents were recorded in the same region during the World War II.
Moreover, there are unverified reports suggesting that Russian units are experiencing a rise in sickness, which troops attribute to the growing pest problem.
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