The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine has officially commented on the controversial statement by the Director of National Intelligence of the United States, Tulsi Gabbard. The focus is on the publication of data which, according to Gabbard, allegedly confirms long-term US government funding of more than 120 'biolabs', including facilities on Ukrainian territory.
Refutation of accusations and the essence of cooperation
The Ukrainian foreign ministry categorically rejected these accusations, calling them baseless. The statement emphasizes that Ukraine consistently fulfills its international obligations under the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production and Stockpiling of Bacteriological (Biological) and Toxin Weapons and on Their Destruction (BWC).
Official Kyiv assured that the country has never engaged in the development, production, or stockpiling of biological weapons. Cooperation with the United States in the field of biological security over many years has been directed exclusively towards civilian goals: strengthening the public health system, epidemiological surveillance, laboratory diagnostics, and biosafety.
"This is about ordinary civilian activity that complies with international standards and healthcare practices and is not related to any military objectives," the MFA document notes.
Nature of laboratories and international inspections
The ministry clarified that the institutions participating in international technical assistance programs are diagnostic, scientific, or reference laboratories of the healthcare and veterinary medicine systems.
The topic of so-called 'laboratories for the development of biological weapons' is not new — it has been actively used in Russian propaganda for many years. At the same time, all such accusations have been repeatedly refuted at the international level.
As proof of transparency, the Ukrainian side recalled the events of 2022. At the request of the Russian Federation, in accordance with Article V of the BWC, an official consultative process involving the States Parties to the Convention was conducted. During this process, full data on the objectives and mechanisms of cooperation programs were provided.
Errors in US intelligence materials
Notably, the materials published by Tulsi Gabbard's office contained gross factual errors. On the map where 'biolabs' are allegedly marked, the location of Kyiv is indicated incorrectly. Furthermore, one of the cities was mistakenly named 'Chernov' (likely referring to Chernivtsi).
The map also claims the presence of facilities in Russian-occupied Crimea and in the city of 'Zakarpattia' (correctly — Zakarpattia region), which raises further questions about the reliability of the presented data.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine urged to rely on the results of international consultations and verified facts, rather than distorted interpretations or propagandistic narratives. Ukraine remains committed to the principles of transparency and strengthening the global biological security system.