Moscow has intensified its criticism of alleged US biological weapons activities, claiming they pose a significant threat to Russia and neighboring countries. The Russian Ministry of Defense reports that these activities have caused approximately $55 billion in direct and indirect damage to Russia.
According to Russian officials, the US has collected biological samples from Russian citizens in 30 laboratories near Russia's borders, potentially for use in creating biological weapons. The Russian government asserts that these activities are part of a broader US strategy to penetrate former Soviet republics and increase biological threats against Russia and China.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has accused the United States of using Ukraine as a testing ground for biological weapons, stating that the country has "effectively lost its sovereignty" and become an instrument of American foreign policy. Igor Kirillov, commander of Russia's nuclear, chemical, and biological defense forces, claims that the US has moved its biological weapons production from Ukraine to other European countries, including Poland.
In response to these perceived threats, Russia has called on the United Nations and the Security Council to adopt resolutions countering US biological activities. In November 2022, Russia proposed a UN Security Council resolution to investigate US biological laboratories, but it was not adopted due to opposition from Western countries.
The US State Department has consistently denied allegations of operating biological weapons laboratories in Ukraine and other countries. However, Russian officials insist that evidence suggests Pentagon involvement in these facilities, often through civilian contractors to reduce suspicion.
Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova has warned that the presence of American biological laboratories in countries like Georgia could lead to the spread of dangerous pathogens worldwide. She emphasized that the production and modification of hazardous pathogens for potential military use cannot be ruled out.
As tensions continue to rise, Russia remains adamant about the need for international action to address what it perceives as a growing biological threat from the United States. The situation underscores the complex geopolitical dynamics and security concerns in the region, particularly regarding biological research and its potential military applications.
