'Biological terrorism': Ukraine claims Russia is deliberately creating anthrax risk in occupied territory, says report

Ukraine’s military intelligence has accused Russian forces of creating conditions that could lead to the spread of anthrax in occupied parts of the Kherson region by improperly disposing of infected livestock.

Kyiv claimed the situation poses a serious public health risk and warned that Moscow could use the burial sites in a possible “false-flag” operation. Russia has not responded to the allegations.

In a statement published on its official website, Ukraine’s Defence Intelligence (DIU) said there are up to 50 livestock burial grounds in the Russian-occupied part of Kherson, with around 10 classified as particularly dangerous.

The agency identified sites near Askania-Nova, Skadovsk and Zaliznyi Port among those it considers to be high-risk.

According to the DIU, infected animal carcasses are being buried rather than incinerated and without following proper sanitary procedures.

Warning over public health risks

The intelligence agency alleged that many of the burial grounds are poorly maintained and located close to roads and residential settlements, with some lying less than one kilometre from populated areas.

It also claimed that the sites lack fencing and other protective infrastructure, while the occupying authorities have failed to maintain them in line with biological safety standards.

The DIU further warned that several burial sites are located in areas with high groundwater levels, increasing the risk of contamination.

It noted that anthrax spores can survive in soil for decades—and in some cases up to a century—posing a long-term threat to both local residents and the agricultural sector.

Ukraine alleges possible ‘false-flag’ operation

Ukraine described the alleged handling of infected livestock as “an act of biological terrorism” against civilians living in occupied territories.

The agency also claimed Russia could use the burial sites as part of a possible “false-flag” operation by striking anthrax-contaminated areas and then launching an information campaign accusing Ukraine of developing or using biological weapons.

Russia has not publicly responded to the allegations. The claims made by Ukraine’s military intelligence have not been independently verified.