Russia Accuses US of Allegedly Planning Drone Attacks with Malaria Mosquitoes
Russia has recently leveled serious accusations against the United States, claiming that preparations are under way to use drones equipped with malaria-bearing mosquitoes against Russian troops. General Kirillov, Chief of Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Protection Troops, stated that the flooding of the Kherson region, which Russia continues to insist was planned by the Ukrainian government despite all evidence to the contrary, could exacerbate the situation by creating conditions favorable for the spread of arbovirus infections. In an effort to provide some amount of support for the accusations, General Kirillov cited a patent for a drone allegedly designed by the United States for the purpose of disseminating infected mosquitoes into the air. More likely the Russian government is making this claim in an attempt to direct attention away from how their destruction of the Kakhovka dam has already led to units of the Russian army being struck by a cholera outbreak. While the claims made by Russia are serious, they are not the first time that Russia has claimed that the United States and Ukraine have been developing biological weapons. Previously, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield vehemently denied similar charges before a United Nations Security Council meeting, and stated that Russia was attempting to spread disinformation. Many are criticizing Russian officials for making similar moves in regards to the latest accusations as well. Despite this, so long as Russian troops continue to get sick as a result of the destruction of the Kakhovka dam, we can likely expect Russian leaders to continue to look for ways to deflect blame.
