US "Russia May Seize Ukrainian Biochemical Research Facilities... Concerns Over Weaponization"

Russian soldiers are driving armored vehicles, including tanks, on a road near Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Sumi Hwang] Foreign media reported that the U.S. government is concerned about the possibility of Russian forces occupying biological research facilities in Ukraine.

On the 8th (local time), according to AFP, Victoria Nuland, U.S. State Department Under Secretary for Political Affairs, stated at a Senate hearing, "There are biological research facilities in Ukraine," and added, "We are quite concerned that Russian forces are attempting to take control of these facilities."

The U.S. government is particularly worried that Russian forces might misuse research materials to develop biochemical weapons. Under Secretary Nuland added, "We are discussing with Ukraine how to prevent research materials from falling into the hands of Russian forces."

Previously, Russia claimed that bacteria and viruses that could be used for weapons were stored in Ukrainian research facilities.

On the 6th, Igor Konashenkov, spokesperson for the Russian Ministry of Defense, asserted, "During the special military operation in Ukraine, we confirmed evidence that the U.S. Department of Defense supported Ukraine's military biological program."

Spokesperson Konashenkov stated that research on biochemical weapon components was conducted at biological laboratories near the Russia-Ukraine border. He also claimed, that research on plague and anthrax was conducted at various Ukrainian laboratories with funding from the U.S. Department of Defense.

China also echoed Russia's claims and urged the U.S. to disclose the situation of the laboratories. On the 8th, Zhao Lijian, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said at a regular briefing, "The U.S. biological laboratories in Ukraine have attracted attention from various sectors."

Spokesperson Zhao claimed, "According to U.S. announcements, the U.S. has 26 biological laboratories in Ukraine," and added, "These are controlled by the U.S. Department of Defense."

He further emphasized, "For the health of Ukraine, surrounding areas, and people worldwide, the safety of the laboratories must be ensured," and "The U.S. must disclose specific information about what viruses are stored in the laboratories and what research has been conducted."

Regarding this, the Atlantic Council, a U.S. think tank specializing in international affairs, rebutted that Russia is making false claims that Ukraine was developing nuclear and biological weapons to justify its invasion. They also pointed out that no evidence has been presented to support these claims.

Under Secretary Nuland stated that if a biochemical weapon attack occurs within Ukraine, there is no doubt that Russia would be behind it, saying, "It is a classic Russian tactic to plan something themselves and then blame others."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.