Rodent Infestation Wreaks Havoc in Ukraine-Russia War Trenches

Surge in rodent numbers attributed to unharvested crops and cold winter conditions, causing diseases among soldiers and damaging equipment.

Ukrainian and Russian trenches in the ongoing war have become infested by rats and mice, causing diseases among soldiers and damaging equipment.
Rodent numbers have surged due to unharvested crops providing food and cold winter conditions driving them to seek warmth in the trenches.
Ukraine's defence intelligence reported in December that rat-bite fever had been spreading rapidly among Russian soldiers.
Ukrainian soldier Kira reported that 1,000 rats shared the trench where she and three others are stationed.
Experts suggest the stalemate in the ground conflict has contributed to the rodent infestation, as the trenches provide a stable environment for the rodents.