DISINFO: Secret US laboratories in Ukraine might have provoked cholera, Ukraine is under external US rule
SUMMARY
The US Embassy in Ukraine has officially recognised for the first time the presence in this country of American biological laboratories for experiments with viruses. A three-page MPs’ request contained a request to explain the appropriateness of the presence of such laboratories. The request alleges that during the work of American laboratories in Ukraine, outbreaks of unknown and various diseases occurred from time to time, which led to deaths. Deputies of the Verkhovna Rada claim that from the laboratories periodically, for one reason or another, leaks of virus strains occurred. 11 years ago a virus of unknown origin arose in Ternopil, which caused hemorrhagic pneumonia: 450 Ukrainians died. In 2011, there was an outbreak of cholera in Ukraine – 33 people died, in 2014, 800 Ukrainians became infected with cholera. In January 2016, 20 people were hospitalised in Kharkiv. Two months later, 364 deaths were recorded in the country. In addition, the MPs found that the embassy is trying to hide information about the work in Ukraine of two centres involved in the study of pathogens dangerous to humans, which started three years ago. The creation in Ukraine of a separate laboratory for such pathogens indicates the conduct of experiments on humans. This is prohibited in the US but allowed in Ukraine – both because of the imperfect Ukrainian legislation but also because of the external governance of Ukraine by the US parties which allows turning Ukraine in a field of biological experiments. The current government in Ukraine does not want to reveal the truth, fearing the wrath of the “Washington’s Obkom”.
RESPONSE
In response to claims that the US control secret laboratories in Ukraine, the US Embassy in Ukraine issued a statement, which is far from the "official recognition" of what the disinformation narrative pretends. The statement reads:
"Embassy would like to set the record straight regarding disinformation spreading in some circles in Ukraine that mirrors Russian disinformation regarding the strong U.S.-Ukrainian partnership to reduce biological threats. Here in Ukraine, the U.S. Department of Defense’s Biological Threat Reduction Program works with the Ukrainian Government to consolidate and secure pathogens and toxins of security concern in Ukrainian government facilities, while allowing for peaceful research and vaccine development. We also work with our Ukrainian partners to ensure Ukraine can detect and report outbreaks caused by dangerous pathogens before they pose security or stability threats."
The statement also reminds, that Ukraine, like other post-Soviet countries, participates in US programmes aimed to reduce biological threats. Read more about the Biological Threat Reduction Program here. The statements that cholera or other viruses might have escaped from the "secret laboratories" does not have any supporting evidence. Illegal "experiments on humans" are prohibited by the Ukrainian criminal code. The legal clinical trials concern only newly invented drugs, they are carried out by pharmaceutical companies worldwide under the control of local and international inspections. The statement that Ukraine is under external control of the US is a conspiracy. Ukraine is a sovereign State since 1990 when it proclaimed independence from the USSR. Subsequently, Ukraine suffered from Russian aggression and hybrid war. It is to stress, that both media - Rossiyskaya Gazeta and TASS - do not quote any different experts which may doubt or rebuff such huge claims that the US may secretly test viruses on humans in Ukraine or hide the leaks of viruses from those labs. Only one expert, supporting the theory advanced by pro-Russian Ukrainian deputies, is quoted. Therefore, the media outlets mix up somebody's opinions and reality. See similar disinformation case about the Lugar lab in Georgia. Read more disinformation cases on Ukraine under external control and biological weapons.