Conflicts

Satellite images reveal the formation of a sprawling new complex that experts say bears the hallmarks of a high-security biological research facility.

Russia’s expansion of a closed biological laboratory near Moscow, documented by satellite imagery since its invasion of Ukraine, signals a potentially alarming development in biological research capabilities.

The expansion of the military-affiliated site, coupled with recent statements by Russian defense officials about improving responses to biological threats, has prompted former US defense officials to see it as a possible strategic warning signal from Moscow, amid escalating international tensions.

Andrew Weber, a former senior Pentagon nonproliferation official who investigated Soviet biological weapons facilities in the 1990s, believes Moscow is warning its adversaries of possible use:

"Putin brandishes nuclear weapons openly in the press. But since Russia never admits that it has biological weapons, the only way to send a signal about it is to talk about these facilities. The subtle hint is, "'Hey, we have this capacity. And don't think we're not going to use it,'" Weber told the Washington Post.

(MH with AmBar/Source: Washington Post/Photo: Pixabay)