Former Russian television journalist Yekaterina Duntsova, who had put her name forward as an independent candidate in Russia’s upcoming presidential election, has been barred from running against President Vladimir Putin.

Russia bars Journalist Yektaterina Duntsova from running in presidential election

The head of Ukraine's eastern-rite Catholic church on Saturday said a document endorsed by Pope Francis this week permitting blessings for same-sex couples did not apply to his church and its teachings.

Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk said the Vatican document "interprets the pastoral meaning of blessings in the Latin Church" but made no reference to issues governing the eastern, or Greek Catholic, church.

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"Thus...this Declaration applies solely to the Latin Church and has no legal force for the faithful of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church," Shevchuk said in a statement.

He said a blessing could not be separated from the church's teachings and "can in no way contradict the teaching of the Catholic Church about the family as a faithful, indissoluble, and fertile union of love between a man and a woman."

The eastern-rite church worships according to rites similar to the Orthodox faith, but is in communion with Rome by virtue of a 16th century agreement. Repression forced the church underground in Soviet times and it now has about 4.5 million parishioners, or roughly 10 per cent of the population of Ukraine.

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The document from the Vatican's doctrinal office said Roman Catholic priests can administer blessings to same-sex couples as long as they are not part of regular church rituals or liturgies.

It said such blessings would be a sign that God welcomes all but should not be confused with the sacrament of heterosexual marriage.

Gay rights are making some progress in Ukraine and other ex-Soviet states outside Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky&nbsp;has expressed sympathy for upholding gay rights, though ruling out constitutional changes to allow single-sex marriages while the country is at war.&nbsp;

The head of Ukraine's eastern-rite Catholic church on Saturday said a document endorsed by Pope Francis this week permitting blessings for same-sex couples did not apply to his church and its teachings.

The head of Ukraine's eastern-rite Catholic church on Saturday said a document endorsed by Pope Francis this week permitting blessings for same-sex couples did not apply to his church and its teachings. Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk said the Vatican document "interprets the pastoral meaning of blessings in the Latin Church" but made no reference to issues governing the eastern, or Greek Catholic, church. ALSO READ | Pope faces criticism for telling Russian youths to remember 'legacy' of a 'great empire' "Thus...this Declaration applies solely to the Latin Church and has no legal force for the faithful of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church," Shevchuk said in a statement. He said a blessing could not be separated from the church's teachings and "can in no way contradict the teaching of the Catholic Church about the family as a faithful, indissoluble, and fertile union of love between a man and a woman." The eastern-rite church worships according to rites similar to the Orthodox faith, but is in communion with Rome by virtue of a 16th century agreement. Repression forced the church underground in Soviet times and it now has about 4.5 million parishioners, or roughly 10 per cent of the population of Ukraine. ALSO READ | Vladimir Putin open to ceasefire negotiations with Ukraine: Report The document from the Vatican's doctrinal office said Roman Catholic priests can administer blessings to same-sex couples as long as they are not part of regular church rituals or liturgies. It said such blessings would be a sign that God welcomes all but should not be confused with the sacrament of heterosexual marriage. Gay rights are making some progress in Ukraine and other ex-Soviet states outside Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed sympathy for upholding gay rights, though ruling out constitutional changes to allow single-sex marriages while the country is at war.

Ukrainian Catholic church says Vatican document on blessing same sex couples does not apply

The US has tightened sanctions against Russia. The New US order acts against those helping Russia evade sanctions & broadens the import ban on seafood & diamonds.

Russia-Ukraine war: US tightens sanctions against Russia

Latest in Russia-Ukraine war: Kyiv has been urging western powers for air defence support. Japan to export Patriot air defence missiles to the United States. The Patriot missiles are a critical part of Ukraine's layer of defence. The US could send the Patriot missiles to Kyiv from its own stock.

Russia-Ukraine war: Japan to aid Ukraine via US

Latest in Russia-Ukraine war: The Netherlands will deliver 18 F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine to help its battle against Russia's invasion, the Dutch government said on Friday. The F-16 is one of the most advanced fighter jets. Norway & Belgium to also send F-16s to Ukraine.

Denmark to deliver 19 advanced F-16 jets to Kyiv | Russia-Ukraine war

U.S. Media reports indicate that the airplane bombing assassination of russian mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin --- Was orchestrated by Nikolai Patrushev. Patrushev is a top Putin confidant and Moscow's security council secretary...

Putin aide involved in Prigozhin killing: Report

Despite the ongoing war with Russia, some Ukrainian have been making the trip back home from the UK.

Russia-Ukraine War: Ukraine celebrates first December Christmas

The Netherlands will deliver 18 F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine to help its battle against Russia's invasion, the Dutch government said on Friday.

Russia-Ukraine War: Netherlands to deliver 18 F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine

Russia-Ukraine War: Netherlands and Denmark to deliver F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine

Russia on Saturday (Dec 23) rejected an application by presidential hopeful Yekaterina Duntsova calling for peace. The Central Electoral Commission, citing mistakes in the documents submitted by Duntsova, cancelled the plea, reported Russian television.

The commission's chief, Ella Pamfilova, released a statement saying that the members rejected Duntsova's bid to stand in the elections to be held next year.

It further said Duntsova, who is a former journalist and city councillor campaigning "for peace and democratic processes", could not move on to the next stage of assembling thousands of supporters' signatures.

Pamfilova told her: "You are a young woman, you have everything ahead of you."

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She further said that at least 29 people had filed to run for the presidency in Russia.

The 40-year-old former journalist was asked to provide documents proving that a group of at least 500 people had held a meeting supporting her.

"A people's initiative is not needed, is not welcomed," Duntsova told journalists, saying she would not have time to file another application as an independent candidate.

She then took to her official social media account saying that she would file an appeal against the ruling with the Supreme Court.&nbsp;

<h2>Anti-war candidate</h2>

Duntsova submitted her application on Wednesday (Dec 20) to challenge incumbent President Vladimir Putin in the country’s upcoming elections in March 2024.&nbsp;

She had planned to run on a scaffold of ending the war in Ukraine and freeing political prisoners.

Duntsova, in an interview with Reuters last month, called for an end to the war and the release of political prisoners, including opposition leader Alexei Navalny.&nbsp;

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“I feel a sense of accomplishment: We’ve done everything that we needed to do. We’ve made this step, and I think it should inspire people who support us,” said Duntsova, speaking to journalists in Moscow on Wednesday.

In her interview with Reuters, Duntsova avoided using the word “war” to describe the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which Putin calls his “special military operation", but did acknowledge that she was afraid. “Any sane person taking this step would be afraid - but fear must not win.”&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Russia on Saturday (Dec 23) rejected an application by presidential hopeful Yekaterina Duntsova calling for peace. The Central Electoral Commission, citing mistakes in the documents submitted by Duntsova, cancelled the plea, reported Russian television.

Russia on Saturday (Dec 23) rejected an application by presidential hopeful Yekaterina Duntsova calling for peace. The Central Electoral Commission, citing mistakes in the documents submitted by Duntsova, cancelled the plea, reported Russian television. The commission's chief, Ella Pamfilova, released a statement saying that the members rejected Duntsova's bid to stand in the elections to be held next year. It further said Duntsova, who is a former journalist and city councillor campaigning "for peace and democratic processes", could not move on to the next stage of assembling thousands of supporters' signatures. Pamfilova told her: "You are a young woman, you have everything ahead of you." Also read: Missile strike hits merchant ship off India's coast; crew included 21 Indians She further said that at least 29 people had filed to run for the presidency in Russia. The 40-year-old former journalist was asked to provide documents proving that a group of at least 500 people had held a meeting supporting her. "A people's initiative is not needed, is not welcomed," Duntsova told journalists, saying she would not have time to file another application as an independent candidate. She then took to her official social media account saying that she would file an appeal against the ruling with the Supreme Court. Anti-war candidate Duntsova submitted her application on Wednesday (Dec 20) to challenge incumbent President Vladimir Putin in the country’s upcoming elections in March 2024. She had planned to run on a scaffold of ending the war in Ukraine and freeing political prisoners. Duntsova, in an interview with Reuters last month, called for an end to the war and the release of political prisoners, including opposition leader Alexei Navalny. Also read: Prague shooting: Czech president attends mass for victims as nation mourns “I feel a sense of accomplishment: We’ve done everything that we needed to do. We’ve made this step, and I think it should inspire people who support us,” said Duntsova, speaking to journalists in Moscow on Wednesday. In her interview with Reuters, Duntsova avoided using the word “war” to describe the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which Putin calls his “special military operation", but did acknowledge that she was afraid. “Any sane person taking this step would be afraid - but fear must not win.” (With inputs from agencies)

Russia bars anti-war candidate Yekaterina Duntsova from presidential ballot

U.S. Media reports indicate that the airplane bombing assassination of Russian mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin --- Was orchestrated by Nikolai Patrushev. Patrushev is a top Putin confidant and Moscow's security council secretary...

Wagner Chief Assassination: Nikolai Patrushev involved in Prigozhin killing

Russia-Ukraine War: Who is Nikolai Patrushev? | Prigozhin killing

The Netherlands will deliver 18 F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine to help its battle against Russia's invasion, the Dutch government said on Friday.

"Today I informed President Zelenskiy of our government's decision to prepare an initial 18 F-16 fighter aircraft for delivery to Ukraine," caretaker Prime Minister Mark Rutte said in a post on social media platform X.

"The delivery of F-16s is one of the most important elements of the agreements made on military support for Ukraine."

The delivery of the fighter jets is still pending on an export permit by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the fulfillment of criteria for staff and infrastructure in Ukraine, Rutte added without giving a timeline for these decisions.

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But the announcement made it possible to reserve funds and people to prepare the planes for delivery, the government said.

"I spoke with Mark Rutte to thank the Dutch government for its decision to start preparing the initial 18 F-16 jets for their delivery to Ukraine," Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelenskiy said on X.

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The Netherlands sent its first US made F-16s to a new training facility for Ukrainian pilots and staff in Romania last month.

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Denmark, Norway, and Belgium have also announced they will give F-16 jets to Ukraine, after the US government approved sending them to defend against Russia as soon as pilot training is completed.

&nbsp;

The Netherlands will deliver 18 F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine to help its battle against Russia's invasion, the Dutch government said on Friday. "Today I informed President Zelenskiy of our government's decision to prepare an initial 18 F-16 fighter aircraft for delivery to Ukraine," caretaker Prime Minister Mark Rutte said in a post on social media platform X.

The Netherlands will deliver 18 F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine to help its battle against Russia's invasion, the Dutch government said on Friday. "Today I informed President Zelenskiy of our government's decision to prepare an initial 18 F-16 fighter aircraft for delivery to Ukraine," caretaker Prime Minister Mark Rutte said in a post on social media platform X. "The delivery of F-16s is one of the most important elements of the agreements made on military support for Ukraine." The delivery of the fighter jets is still pending on an export permit by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the fulfillment of criteria for staff and infrastructure in Ukraine, Rutte added without giving a timeline for these decisions. Also Read | 'Right to a dignified death': Cuba follows Colombia as it legalises euthanasia But the announcement made it possible to reserve funds and people to prepare the planes for delivery, the government said. "I spoke with Mark Rutte to thank the Dutch government for its decision to start preparing the initial 18 F-16 jets for their delivery to Ukraine," Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelenskiy said on X. Also Read | Turkey: 304 people arrested over suspected ties to Islamic State The Netherlands sent its first US made F-16s to a new training facility for Ukrainian pilots and staff in Romania last month. Watch | Energy Sector: What to expect in 2024? × Denmark, Norway, and Belgium have also announced they will give F-16 jets to Ukraine, after the US government approved sending them to defend against Russia as soon as pilot training is completed.

Netherlands to deliver 18 F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine

With support dwindling from the Western allies, Ukraine is facing an ammunition and funding crunch. But now a silver lining could be seen emerging as Japan is now sending patriot air defence missiles to the United States. This could free the US to send weapons from its own stockpiles to Kyiv.

Japan to send patriot missiles to the United States

According to senior American and European officials, the Biden administration subtly indicates that it is now in favour of seizing over $300 billion in assets that the Russian central bank has hidden in Western countries. It has also commenced urgent talks with allies about utilising these funds to support Ukraine's war effort during a period when financial support is diminishing. To know more watch this interview with Journalist and Political Analyst, James Jackson.

Europe, US eye Russian assets: Ukrainian Army seeks to mobilise 500,000 more troops | WION

As the Russia-Ukraine war drags on and is set to complete two years in February 2024, reports suggest that thousands of Ukrainians are suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a condition that is often seen in individuals stuck in the middle of the war.&nbsp;

Amid this dire mental health situation, the Ukrainian Parliament held a vote on Tuesday (December 19) to legalise marijuana (Cannabis), which is mostly banned but also used in a few countries for recreational purposes.&nbsp;

This move is being taken to tackle the reported&nbsp;PTSD crisis in war-ravaged Ukraine.&nbsp;The law was cleared in the Ukrainian Parliament, also known as Verkhovna Rada, with a majority vote of 248. The parliament has 401 seats in total.

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Notably, the law was proposed by Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Smyhal. Who all voted in favour and against the law was not immediately available, media reports said.&nbsp;

A report by the Associated Press said that the new law will take six months to become effective. The Ukrainian lawmakers are of the view that allowing marijuana will help them diminish these symptoms of trauma.&nbsp;

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The new law will come into effect in six&nbsp;months. The legislation also greenlighted the use of cannabis for scientific and industrial ends.&nbsp;

<h2>Psycho-social toll of Ukraine war</h2>

With severe mental health consequences of the war reported in Ukraine, refugees who flee to neighbouring countries are also bearing the brunt.

A UN report highlighted&nbsp;that over 60 per cent of Ukrainian refugee mothers in Poland are experiencing "high or severe levels of distress".

“The psycho-social toll of the war in Ukraine is immense so the results of this survey are not a surprise,” Dr. Rashed Mustafa Sarwar, who leads the UNICEF Refugee Response Office in Poland reportedly said.

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Thousands of civilians have been killed in the ongoing war in Ukraine which began in February 2022. On December 6, the UN human rights office (OHCHR) reported that as many as 10,065 civilian killings have been verified.

However, there are concerns that the death toll could be much higher than this.&nbsp;There has been a huge displacement as well because of the war with more than 10 million forced to flee their homes.

(With inputs from agencies)

As the Russia-Ukraine war drags on and is set to complete two years in February 2024, reports suggest that thousands of Ukrainians are suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a condition that is often seen in individuals stuck in the middle of the war.

As the Russia-Ukraine war drags on and is set to complete two years in February 2024, reports suggest that thousands of Ukrainians are suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a condition that is often seen in individuals stuck in the middle of the war. Amid this dire mental health situation, the Ukrainian Parliament held a vote on Tuesday (December 19) to legalise marijuana (Cannabis), which is mostly banned but also used in a few countries for recreational purposes. This move is being taken to tackle the reported PTSD crisis in war-ravaged Ukraine. The law was cleared in the Ukrainian Parliament, also known as Verkhovna Rada, with a majority vote of 248. The parliament has 401 seats in total. Also Read | Diplomatic Thaw: South Korea and Japan renew economic talks after eight-year hiatus Notably, the law was proposed by Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Smyhal. Who all voted in favour and against the law was not immediately available, media reports said. A report by the Associated Press said that the new law will take six months to become effective. The Ukrainian lawmakers are of the view that allowing marijuana will help them diminish these symptoms of trauma. Also Read | China tightens grip on rare earths industry, bans key technology exports for national security The new law will come into effect in six months. The legislation also greenlighted the use of cannabis for scientific and industrial ends. Psycho-social toll of Ukraine war With severe mental health consequences of the war reported in Ukraine, refugees who flee to neighbouring countries are also bearing the brunt. A UN report highlighted that over 60 per cent of Ukrainian refugee mothers in Poland are experiencing "high or severe levels of distress". “The psycho-social toll of the war in Ukraine is immense so the results of this survey are not a surprise,” Dr. Rashed Mustafa Sarwar, who leads the UNICEF Refugee Response Office in Poland reportedly said. Watch | Former NYC Mayor Rudy Giuliani's money troubles × Thousands of civilians have been killed in the ongoing war in Ukraine which began in February 2022. On December 6, the UN human rights office (OHCHR) reported that as many as 10,065 civilian killings have been verified. However, there are concerns that the death toll could be much higher than this. There has been a huge displacement as well because of the war with more than 10 million forced to flee their homes. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukrainian Parliament votes to legalise marijuana to tackle PTSD crisis amid war

US officials are warning that funding for Ukraine will run out if the congress does not pass Joe Biden's emergency supplemental spending request. Congress to determine if money will be sent directly to Ukraine. The question is how will US keep funding Ukraine? US to use Russian assets as aid to Ukraine? Watch to know more!

Russia-Ukraine war: US to use Russian assets as aid to Ukraine?

According to senior American and European officials, the Biden administration is subtly indicating that it is now in favor of seizing over $300 billion in assets that the Russian central bank has hidden in Western countries. It has also commenced urgent talks with allies about utilizing these funds to support Ukraine's war effort during a period when financial support is diminishing.

Russia-Ukraine war: US to use nearly $5 billion Russian assests as aid to Ukraine

Boris Johnson failed to tackle a “macho” culture of misogyny, bullying and lack of diversity inside Downing Street which hampered the government’s response to Covid, the public inquiry into the pandemic has heard.

UK: 'Macho' culture of misogyny in Downing Street hampered Covid response, Helen MacNamara says

Russia has a new enemy in the war. It's the deadly mouse fever. The infection is spreading in Russian trenches. Russian soldiers have reported a complete lack of healthcare. How will it affect Russia's combat effectiveness in the war?

Gravitas: New terror fever plagues Russian ranks

Another Nepalese soldier has died in the Ukraine war. This has taken the total count to seven. Nepal has asked Russia to send the dead bodies home. What are Nepalese nationals doing on Russian frontlines?

Gravitas | Ukraine war: Another Nepalese soldier dies

The strong relationship between the two nations, which has endured despite Russia's military invasion of its neighbour Ukraine in early 2022, has faced pointed criticism from Western leaders in recent years.

Strong Russia ties a strategic choice, says Chinas President Xi Jinping

'Macho' culture of misogyny in Downing Street hampered Covid response, inquiry hears

A week after stalling an aid deal worth $54 billion to Ukraine, Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban has asserted that the money should not come out of the European Union (EU) budget, stating it remains a 'bad decision'.

A week after stalling an aid deal worth $54 billion to Ukraine, Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban has asserted that the money should not come out of the European Union (EU) budget, stating it remains a 'bad decision'. Orban justified his decision of vetoing the previous proposal saying Hungary's money was involved in the budget and therefore it had a say in the matter. "I am convinced that to give Ukraine 50 billion euros ($54.70 billion) from the EU budget for five years, in which there is no money for this, and by taking out a loan, that's a bad decision. Instead let's make a good decision, which is the Hungarian proposal," Orban was quoted as saying by Reuters. Quizzed about the possibility that the bloc's 26 other members might broker a deal between themselves and Kyiv, Orban said he would reserve his comments. "They have the possibility - if we don't agree on this - to resolve this outside the budget, but don't have the option of resolving this from the EU budget without Hungarian approval. They have the possibility, 26 members, to resolve this with a joint loan outside the budget. If this comes up, we will consider what we say." "We are not asking for anything, only that the budget should be implemented, but if they start amending the budget then the Hungarian interests will surface and we will negotiate accordingly," he added. Also watch | Hungary blocks Ukraine's EU membership bid Orban puts his foot down Last Friday, Orban put his foot down and delayed the deal until January next year, saying the European Council needed to come back to the proposal with proper preparation. EU chief Charles Michel refrained from divulging the details of the meeting. "I don't want to go too much into the details because I want to work with colleagues in the days to come, in the weeks to come to prepare a summit that will take place next year, early next year," Michel said. Also read | Ukraine next EU member? Kyiv may get membership lifeboat amid sinking wartime fortunes Orban tanking the deal came after the bloc opened membership talks for Ukraine. The war-ravaged nation has been desperate to join the EU, to consolidate the member nations in the war against Russia. Ukraine applied for EU membership in February last year, just four days after Russia launched an offensive on Kyiv. Initially, Orban had threatened to veto the plan as well but ducked out of it as other members called his bluff. (With inputs from agencies)

Hungary's Orban says $54bn aid to Ukraine from EU budget is a 'bad decision'

Apart from Ukrainian shelling and drone attacks, Russian soldiers on the front line are facing another threat. Ukrainian Intelligence claims that the troops are experiencing the effect of Mouse Fever.

Russia soldiers fighting another front, face 'Mouse Fever outbreak': Ukraine | World News | WION

As the war between Russia and Ukraine drags on, it seems like drone strikes or artillery fire are not the only dangers faced by the Russian troops on the frontlines. A recent report by Ukraine claims that Moscow’s soldiers are suffering due to the outbreak of so-called “mouse fever” or “rat-bite fever” on the Kupyansk frontline.&nbsp;

According to the report, the disease that causes people to bleed from their eyes, suffer from severe headaches and vomit several times a day is “mowing down” frontline Russian troops.

<h2>What does the report say?</h2>

The outbreak of the so-called “mouse fever” – a viral disease – has been recorded in many units of the Russian forces near Ukraine’s Kupyansk frontline, the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence’s main directorate of intelligence said in a post on its official Telegram channel.

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The illness spread by rodents is said to be affecting Russian soldiers “en masse”. However, Russian commanders dismissed the troops’ concerns, claimed the Ukrainian defence ministry.&nbsp;

The infection transmits to humans through direct contact with rodents carrying the bacteria, as well as inhalation of their urine, faeces, or mucous secretions.&nbsp;

Symptoms of the infection include severe headache, body temperature rising to 40 degrees Celsius, rashes and redness, decreased blood pressure, haemorrhages in the eyes, nausea and vomiting several times a day, according to the report by Ukraine.&nbsp;

However, Kyiv has claimed that Russian commanders have ignored these concerns and consider it an excuse to avoid fighting, saying that “at the first stage of the course, ‘mouse fever’ resembles an ordinary flu.”&nbsp;

“In the Kupyansk direction of the front of the occupiers, mouse fever is mowing down en masse,” said the Ukrainian agency on Telegram. It added, “As a result, mouse fever significantly reduced the fighting ability of Russian rats.”

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The Ukrainian agency has also said Russian troops are <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/demoralised-russian-troops-shoot-selves-with-ukrainian-ammo-in-legs-to-avoid-fighting-say-reports-463966">frustrated</a> by the “inadequate provision of winter items and a complete lack of medical assistance.”&nbsp;

The disease is also affecting the Russian soldiers’ kidneys, causing intense pain in their lower back and severe difficulty in urinating, Ukrainian officials claimed.

<h2>What is ‘mouse fever’?</h2>

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the infection can spread through bites or scratches from rodents carrying the bacteria as well as through contact with surfaces that are contaminated.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-charges-four-pro-russian-troops-in-ukraine-with-war-crimes-666944">US charges four pro-Russian troops in Ukraine with war crimes</a>

However, the disease does not spread from one person to another. Rat-bite fever “can be a serious or even fatal disease,” according to the CDC.&nbsp;

Symptoms and signs of “mouse fever” include fever, vomiting, headache, muscle pain, joint pain or swelling, and rashes, said the CDC.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

As the war between Russia and Ukraine drags on, it seems like drone strikes or artillery fire are not the only dangers faced by the Russian troops on the frontlines.

As the war between Russia and Ukraine drags on, it seems like drone strikes or artillery fire are not the only dangers faced by the Russian troops on the frontlines. A recent report by Ukraine claims that Moscow’s soldiers are suffering due to the outbreak of so-called “mouse fever” or “rat-bite fever” on the Kupyansk frontline. According to the report, the disease that causes people to bleed from their eyes, suffer from severe headaches and vomit several times a day is “mowing down” frontline Russian troops. What does the report say? The outbreak of the so-called “mouse fever” – a viral disease – has been recorded in many units of the Russian forces near Ukraine’s Kupyansk frontline, the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence’s main directorate of intelligence said in a post on its official Telegram channel. ALSO READ | Trump insists he hasn’t read Hitler’s ‘Mein Kampf’ after backlash on remarks against migrants The illness spread by rodents is said to be affecting Russian soldiers “en masse”. However, Russian commanders dismissed the troops’ concerns, claimed the Ukrainian defence ministry. The infection transmits to humans through direct contact with rodents carrying the bacteria, as well as inhalation of their urine, faeces, or mucous secretions. Symptoms of the infection include severe headache, body temperature rising to 40 degrees Celsius, rashes and redness, decreased blood pressure, haemorrhages in the eyes, nausea and vomiting several times a day, according to the report by Ukraine. However, Kyiv has claimed that Russian commanders have ignored these concerns and consider it an excuse to avoid fighting, saying that “at the first stage of the course, ‘mouse fever’ resembles an ordinary flu.” “In the Kupyansk direction of the front of the occupiers, mouse fever is mowing down en masse,” said the Ukrainian agency on Telegram. It added, “As a result, mouse fever significantly reduced the fighting ability of Russian rats.” ALSO READ | India stands ready for peace efforts, committed to providing humanitarian aid to Gaza: PM Modi The Ukrainian agency has also said Russian troops are frustrated by the “inadequate provision of winter items and a complete lack of medical assistance.” The disease is also affecting the Russian soldiers’ kidneys, causing intense pain in their lower back and severe difficulty in urinating, Ukrainian officials claimed. What is ‘mouse fever’? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the infection can spread through bites or scratches from rodents carrying the bacteria as well as through contact with surfaces that are contaminated. ALSO READ | US charges four pro-Russian troops in Ukraine with war crimes However, the disease does not spread from one person to another. Rat-bite fever “can be a serious or even fatal disease,” according to the CDC. Symptoms and signs of “mouse fever” include fever, vomiting, headache, muscle pain, joint pain or swelling, and rashes, said the CDC. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

‘Mouse fever’ outbreak is ‘mowing down’ Russian troops in Kupyansk frontline, claims Ukraine

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