DISINFO: Biolab leaks cause epidemics in Ukraine and Russia
SUMMARY
Russia’s radiation, chemical and biological defence troops have found 46 biological laboratories in Ukraine. Leaks from them had caused epidemics both in Ukraine and in Russia. Most of these laboratories are now closed. It is a significant achievement of the troops.
RESPONSE
Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative claiming that the US is developing biological weapons in Ukraine. It was made in the context of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
There are dozens of civilian public health laboratories in Ukraine whose work is to research various pathogens and mitigate the threats of dangerous diseases. Some of these laboratories receive funding from the United States, the European Union and the World Health Organization (WHO). Pro-Kremlin disinformation outlets falsely and groundlessly portray them as military sites, deliberately blurring the line between biological weapons and biological research. The claim about the alleged success of Russian troops in closing these laboratories is an attempt to justify Russia's full scale invasion of Ukraine.
Read similar disinformation cases claiming that US biolabs develop weapons able to selectively target ethnic groups, that Pentagon develops biological weapons in more than 470 biolabs around the world, and that US using biolabs around the world to create epidemics at will.