Ukraine Accuses Russia of Bioterrorism in Occupied Kherson

Ukrainian intelligence reported on Tuesday, June 23, that Russian forces are deliberately creating conditions for the spread of anthrax in occupied Kherson, characterizing these actions as bioterrorism against the civilian population.

Neglected Disposal Sites

Ukrainian services report that there are approximately fifty animal carcass disposal sites in the Kherson region, ten of which pose a critical risk. Many are severely neglected and situated less than one kilometer from residential areas.

Intelligence officials state that the carcasses of infected animals are being buried in the ground rather than being incinerated. This failure to observe safety protocols during disposal threatens the local population and the agricultural sector through soil contamination and the spread of pathogens to healthy livestock.

Accusations of Biological Warfare

Ukrainian authorities warn that Russia may utilize this situation to stage a false-flag operation, intending to falsely accuse Ukraine of producing or using biological weapons. Concerns regarding Russian biological research have persisted for some time.

Reports from 2024, including investigations by The Washington Post, indicate that Russia has expanded the Sergiev Posad-6 laboratory complex. Although Moscow claims these facilities are for developing medical countermeasures against pandemics and terror threats, the site was historically used for research into biological weapons and lethal viruses during the Cold War.