Ukrainian troops suffer from severe mice infestation on frontline – UK intelligence
Ukrainian and Russian troops have been suffering from an overwhelming infestation of rats and mice in some parts of the frontline recently, the UK intelligence report says.
As the weather has become colder, mice are looking for warm places in vehicles and defensive positions. According to the intelligence, the rodents will add additional pressure to the soldiers' morale on the front line.
This year's mild autumn and sufficient food from fields left untreated due to the fighting probably contributed to the increase in the rodent population.
Latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine – 23 December 2023.
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Furthermore, they pose a danger to military equipment by chewing through cables, as was recorded in the same area during World War II.
Unverified reports, the review notes, indicate that Russian troops have been suffering from a rise in illnesses that they blame on the rodent menace.
The Ukrainian military is currently mostly on the defensive and attacking whenever possible near Bakhmut, Avdiivka, and the Zaporizhzhia region.
The Russian army is advancing in three directions: Kupyansk, Lyman, and Bakhmut.
The commander of the Tavria Brigade, Oleksandr Tarnavsky, noted that "the invasion continues," but Ukrainian troops are holding steadfast.
"Despite the setbacks, the enemy did not abandon its intention to drive our units from their positions and made 17 unsuccessful assault actions. He received a worthy rebuff and retreated with losses. Our defenders are engaged in counter-battery combat, inflicting fire on the enemy's rear," the General Staff said.
Recently, Ukrainian soldiers recaptured one of the spoil heaps near Horlivka, Donetsk region. The soldiers also managed to capture enemy positions.