Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has firmly rejected claims regarding its involvement in the development of biological weapons, asserting that its collaboration with the United States is solely aimed at enhancing public health systems.
The ministry emphasized that the partnership between Ukraine and the U.S. in the field of biological security has been ongoing for many years. All joint initiatives are focused on improving epidemiological surveillance, laboratory diagnostics, and bio-protection.
“This is a standard civilian activity that complies with international health standards and is not associated with any military objectives,” the ministry stated.
All laboratories involved in international technical assistance programs are exclusively diagnostic, scientific, or reference laboratories within the health care and veterinary medicine systems. They operate under the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC).
The allegations of so-called “military biolabs” have been a long-standing element of Russian propaganda. No accusations from Russia have been substantiated at the international level.
In 2022, an official consultative process was conducted at the request of Russia, involving state parties to the BTWC. Ukraine provided comprehensive data regarding the aims and mechanisms of its programs. The United Nations Security Council also examined this issue and found no evidence supporting Moscow’s claims.
At a December 2023 meeting of BTWC state parties, Ukraine reiterated its commitment to transparency and full compliance with international law. The ministry urged reliance on verified facts rather than distorted information from adversaries.
Historically, Russia has utilized the topic of biological security as a tool for disinformation attacks against Ukraine. Previously, Russian representatives at the UN Security Council made unfounded claims about preparations for “biological attacks using infected geese” and the development of “combat mosquitoes” in Ukrainian laboratories, allegedly targeting only holders of Russian passports.
Russian diplomacy has also attempted to manipulate internal U.S. documents, including executive orders from former President Donald Trump regarding biosecurity, trying to portray heightened research controls as evidence of military programs near its borders. None of these accusations have been substantiated.
A new wave of disinformation arose following the declassification of U.S. intelligence documents related to funding for over 120 biological laboratories in 30 countries, including Ukraine. U.S. National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard discussed the potential threat of one civilian laboratory in Ukraine, which housed dangerous pathogens, being compromised amid the ongoing conflict.
Russian propaganda quickly seized upon this declassified information, attempting to misrepresent standard civilian support for public health systems as evidence of biological weapons development.
Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has categorically denied claims of developing biological weapons, asserting that its collaboration with the U.S. focuses on public health enhancement. These allegations are part of a broader Russian disinformation campaign, which has repeatedly failed to find international support.