Russian army faces diseases due to large number of rats, mice at front - UK intelligence

This was reported by the UK Ministry of Defense.

It is noted that the increase in the rodent population was probably facilitated by a mild, warm autumn, as well as a large amount of food on the field, which remains as a result of hostilities.

"As the weather has become colder, the animals are likely seeking shelter in vehicles and defensive positions. Rodents will add further pressure to front line combatants' morale," the intelligence suggests.

In addition, they pose a danger to military equipment by gnawing through cables - as was recorded in the same area during World War II. Unverified reports also indicate that Russian troops have begun to suffer from increased cases of sickness.

• Yevhen Iievliev, a soldier with the Ukrainian Armed Forces, says that when waking up in dugouts, one can catch 2-3 mice on oneself, at best.