Ukrainian troops show Kharkiv forests covered in fibre-optic cables from Russian drones – video

Fighters from Ukraine's 57th Separate Motorised Infantry Brigade have posted a video showing that thousands of kilometres of forests in the Vovchansk district of Kharkiv Oblast are covered with fibre-optic cables left behind by Russian drones.

Source: 57th Separate Motorised Infantry Brigade named after Kostiantyn Hordiienko

Quote: "This is what the forests of Kharkiv Oblast look like today – thousands of kilometres of fibre-optic 'spiderwebs' left hanging on trees by Russian drones. This is not just litter. It is a serious environmental problem, the consequences of which we will be dealing with for years. Ecocide is as much a weapon against Ukraine for the occupiers as drones are. That is why enemy drone pilots are a priority target for the soldiers of the 57th Brigade."

Details: According to the brigade's video, the nearly invisible fibre-optic cable webs are causing devastating damage to nature. They are destroying the forests around Vovchansk and becoming deadly traps for wild animals.

Background:

• Ukrainska Pravda previously reported that the use of fibre-optic drones in frontline areas leaves debris scattered across fields that harms the environment. Ukrainian scientists say fibre-optic cables do not corrode and can remain on the ground for decades.
• Fibre-optic drones are now widely used on the battlefield. As they fly towards their targets, they leave white strands across fields, negatively affecting soil, vegetation and wildlife. Animals can become entangled in the fibre-optic lines and die from strangulation or starvation. There have also been recorded cases of birds using the fibre-optic cables to build their nests.

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