The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has dismissed recent accusations regarding alleged biological laboratories operating within the country. The ministry emphasized that Ukraine adheres strictly to its international obligations under the Biological Weapons Convention.
In a statement shared on Telegram, officials highlighted a surge of misinformation surrounding Ukraine’s international cooperation in biological safety and public health. They reiterated that Ukraine has consistently fulfilled its commitments under the Biological Weapons Convention and has never engaged in activities related to the development, production, or stockpiling of biological weapons.
According to the ministry, collaboration with the United States in the field of biosafety has focused solely on enhancing public health systems, epidemiological surveillance, laboratory diagnostics, and biosecurity measures.
“This pertains to standard civilian activities that comply with international health standards and are unrelated to any military objectives,” the ministry stated.
The ministry also pointed out that the topic of so-called “biolaboratories” has been exploited by Russian propaganda and has been debunked on an international level. Notably, in 2022, an official consultative process initiated by Russia under the Biological Weapons Convention found no evidence to support claims of biological weapons development in Ukraine.
Furthermore, the issue was discussed in the UN Security Council, where no supporting evidence for the allegations was presented.
In December 2023, Ukraine reaffirmed its stance at a meeting of Biological Weapons Convention member states, emphasizing that international mechanisms have thoroughly addressed these concerns.
“Ukraine remains committed to the principles of transparency, international cooperation, and strengthening the global biosafety system. We urge reliance on the outcomes of international consultations and verified facts, rather than distorted interpretations or Russian propaganda,” the ministry concluded.
Background
On June 13, U.S. National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard, who is resigning, released information suggesting that the U.S. government has been funding over 120 biological laboratories in 30 countries, including Ukraine.
She claimed that U.S.-funded laboratories in Ukraine might house dangerous pathogens and are vulnerable to prolonged threats from Russia. Gabbard also shared a map indicating the locations of these laboratories, although her office inaccurately relocated Kyiv to Odesa and misidentified one city as “Cherniv” instead of Chernivtsi. The map also suggested the existence of laboratories in Russian-occupied Crimea and a region labeled as “Zakarpattia.”
Previous Statements by Gabbard
At the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Gabbard had previously asserted the existence of U.S.-funded biological laboratories in Ukraine.
She cited a Pentagon document regarding cooperation with the Ukrainian government on safe detection and diagnosis of biological threats, as well as reducing risks associated with pathogens. However, the press release indicated that since 2005, the U.S. has supported Ukrainian laboratories, medical and veterinary institutions, and diagnostic facilities as part of a biosafety program.
In April 2022, the Center for Countering Disinformation reported that Gabbard had been working for foreign audiences funded by Russia for several years.
Since the start of the full-scale war between Russia and Ukraine, she has claimed that the United States is responsible for Russia’s military aggression, alleging that the U.S. has provoked Russia for many years.
Additionally, she has stated that the Washington elite aims to use Ukrainians to kill as many Russians as possible.
The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry has rejected allegations of biological laboratories in the country, asserting compliance with international treaties. This response follows recent claims by U.S. intelligence regarding funding for such facilities, which Ukraine insists are strictly for public health purposes.