Satellite imagery reveals the formation of a sprawling new complex that experts believe 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 of biological research capabilities.
The expansion of this 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 non-proliferation official who investigated Soviet bioweapons facilities in the 1990s, believes that Moscow is thus warning its adversaries of possible use:
“Putin brandishes nuclear weapons openly as well as in the press. But since they never admit to possessing biological weapons, the way to send a signal is to talk about these facilities. The subtle hint is: “Hey, we have this capability. And don’t think we’re not going to use it,” Weber tells the Washington Post.
