Russian Attacks on Ukrainian Cities Threaten to Unleash Cholera Epidemic

Paul Goble

            Staunton, June 6 – The destruction of Ukrainian cities like Mariupol not only has left residents without homes and other infrastructure but has raised the specter of a cholera epidemic. But even where Russian troops have occupied them, the Russian forces have devoted themselves to propaganda and destruction of Ukrainian symbols rather than well-being of the population.

            The situation in Mariupol is especially dire. There, Russian attacks have destroyed the water and sewage systems and created an ideal situation for the outbreak and spread of a disease that without adequate treatment, likely impossible because hospitals are overwhelmed and doctors have fled, that may kill 60 percent of those who contract it (t.me/mariupolrada/9806).

            Local officials are warning of disaster and calling for help (graniru.org/Politics/World/Europe/Ukraine/m.285277.html and 5.ua/ru/obshchestvo/v-okkupatsyonnikh-vlastiakh-uzhe-hovoriat-o-kholere-maryupol-zakrivaiut-na-karantyn-279247.html). But so far, Russian forces which have moved in have proven deaf to their appeals.

            Instead, the new occupiers, in an indication of Moscow’s priorities, are spending their time and energy sending propaganda trucks through the city and destroying or painting over symbols of Ukrainian life such as signs at the entrance to the city. Unless Ukrainian troops retake these areas, hundreds and possibly thousands of people are going to die.