FM comments on latest claims about “US-funded biolaboratories” in Ukraine
This was stated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, according to Ukrinform.
“Once again, we reject these baseless accusations and emphasize that Ukraine consistently fulfills its international obligations under the Convention on the Prohibition of Biological and Toxin Weapons (BTWC). The Ukrainian side has never engaged in activities related to the development, production, or stockpiling of biological weapons,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
It is noted that the Foreign Ministry has drawn attention to yet another wave of manipulation regarding specific cooperation programs in the field of biosafety and public health in Ukraine.
“Cooperation between Ukraine and the United States in the field of biosafety has for many years been aimed exclusively at strengthening the capabilities of the public health system, epidemiological surveillance, laboratory diagnostics, biosafety, and biosecurity,” the diplomats emphasized.
It is added that the activities being carried out are routine civilian activities that comply with international health standards and practices and are not related to any military objectives.
“The laboratory facilities that participated in the relevant international technical assistance programs are diagnostic, research, or reference laboratories within the public health system, veterinary medicine, or other scientific institutions,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs notes.
It is emphasized that Russia has for many years used the theme of the existence of “biological weapons laboratories” in Ukraine in its propaganda, but all Russian allegations have been repeatedly refuted at the international level.
“Thus, in 2022, at the request of the Russian Federation in accordance with Article V of the BWC, an official consultative process was conducted with the participation of the Convention’s member states, during which all data regarding relevant cooperation programs, their objectives, and implementation mechanisms were provided,” the statement reads.
It is emphasized that, based on the results of the consultations, the allegations regarding the alleged development of biological weapons or the operation of military biological programs in Ukraine “found no confirmation whatsoever.” The relevant issues were also considered within the framework of the UN Security Council, where no evidence was presented to support the allegations made by the Russian Federation.
In December 2023, Ukraine officially reaffirmed its position at a meeting of BWC member states, emphasizing that the 2022 consultative process had thoroughly examined the aforementioned allegations and that “Ukraine’s cooperation with international partners in the field of public health is fully consistent with the provisions of the Convention.”
“Ukraine remains committed to the principles of transparency, international cooperation, and strengthening the global biosafety system. We urge reliance on the results of international consultations and verified facts, rather than distorted interpretations or Russian propaganda,” the Foreign Ministry added.
As reported by Ukrinform, the Center for Countering Disinformation under the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine has debunked yet another fake story by Russian propaganda media about “secret laboratories” near Donbas, where tuberculosis pathogens were allegedly “artificially enhanced.”
