Russia starts restoring Soviet biological weapons centre

The Washington Post, citing satellite imagery, said that Russia has begun to rebuild and expand a biological weapons research centre in the Moscow region.

Here's What We Know

The study conducted by the publication shows that after the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, work began on the restoration and expansion of the centre.

In the past, the centre was used by the USSR Ministry of Defence as a major research centre for the development of biological weapons, viruses and other biological agents.

The newspaper reports that 10 new buildings with a total area of 23 square kilometres are currently being erected on the site, as well as old buildings being reconstructed. Most of the buildings show signs of laboratory use, in particular due to the extensive air conditioning system.

Satellite imagery shows dozens of rooftop air handling units, a layout that matches the distribution of laboratories, as well as underground infrastructure and a separate power plant to provide uninterrupted power to the complex.

Despite the development of biological laboratories in Russia, there is no evidence of such weapons being used in Ukraine to date. Russian authorities confirm certain work at the facility, noting that it is aimed at studying dangerous viruses such as Ebola.

Western politicians and experts have expressed concern over the restoration of the laboratory, as the true purpose of its activities remains unknown, as does the possibility of using it for military purposes or developing biological weapons of mass destruction.

"The modernisation is consistent with the historical role of this secure, top-secret military facility in the development of viral biological weapons," said Andrew Weber, a former senior Pentagon official.

Western experts, analysing satellite images, concluded that the laboratories will meet the BSL-4 security level, which allows them to work with the most dangerous viruses.

Source: The Washington Post