Ukrainian troops are facing an unexpected surge of snakes, rats, and mice in their trenches amid the ongoing war with Russia.
The soldiers, grappling with this unconventional threat, have even enlisted the help of stray and domestic cats to manage the infestation. Reports are suggesting that Russian troops are also facing a similar issue in their trenches.
An influx of vermin has been caused by the scent of food and the warmth of the soldiers’ fires. The nine different types of snakes Ukraine is home to are then drawn to the trenches to prey on the growing population of mice and rats.
A Ukrainian military source said the situation is getting severe: “Numerous images from the front show that the infestation of rodents and snakes has become a serious problem for both the Ukrainian army and Russian troops. One soldier found two snakes and troops have found mice running under mattresses and from sleeping bags.”
One Ukrainian soldier told a TV channel: “When you wake up, you always catch two or three mice crawling into your sleeping bag. It’s not particularly pleasant when your finger is bitten.”
READ MORE: Zelensky’s ally turns on him as Ukraine president’s approval ratings plummet
This comes as Kyiv claimed 332,810 Russian troops have been killed since full-scale war began in February 2022.
In addition, the Joe Biden administration urgently petitioned Congress for tens of billions of dollars in military aid for Ukraine, as they fear their existing fund might run out by the end of the year.
Shalanda Young, Director of the Office of Management and Budget, said the US would exhaust its funding for sending weapons without immediate assistance.
She was concerned that this would severely hinder Ukraine’s defence efforts, potentially leading to catastrophic consequences should the nation’s economy collapse.
Young said: “If Ukraine’s economy collapses, they will not be able to keep fighting, full stop. We are out of money – and nearly out of time.”
President Biden is advocating for an £84 billion aid package, which includes support for Ukraine, Israel, and other pressing needs.
However, this proposal faced opposition from Republicans, prompting the administration to temporarily slow down the pace of some military assistance to Kyiv to stretch available supplies until Congress approves additional funding.
