U.S. reveals funding of 120 biolabs in 30 countries amid Russian backlash

The United States Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, disclosed on Friday that Washington has funded more than 120 biological laboratories across over 30 countries, including Ukraine, where research on dangerous pathogens is allegedly conducted. The revelation, made through declassified documents, has intensified scrutiny of American biodefense programs and drawn sharp criticism from Moscow.

Gabbard, who is leaving office, stated that the U.S. government has provided long-term financing for these facilities, which are said to study biological agents, some of which are classified as high-risk. The disclosure was first reported by Ukrainian and Romanian outlets, including *Pravda.ua* and *Digi24*, and echoed by Estonian state media, which framed the move as part of a broader propaganda campaign.

Russian officials were quick to respond. Kirill Dmitriev, Russia’s special representative for international investments and CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, condemned the U.S. program, calling it a violation of global biological safety norms. Dmitriev’s reaction underscores Moscow’s long-standing allegations that American biolabs in post-Soviet states, particularly Ukraine, pose a threat to regional security.

The timing of Gabbard’s disclosure—just days before her departure from the DNI—has fueled speculation about its political motivations. Critics within the Biden administration have accused her of weaponizing intelligence to undermine U.S. foreign policy, while supporters argue the move was necessary to expose opaque research activities. The declassified documents do not provide granular details on the nature of the pathogens studied or the specific locations of the labs, leaving key questions unanswered.

Biological research collaboration has been a contentious issue since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, with Moscow repeatedly alleging that U.S.-backed labs in the region were involved in dual-use research. The U.S. has consistently denied these claims, asserting that its programs are aimed at preventing pandemics and enhancing global health security. However, the latest disclosures risk reigniting debates over transparency and the militarization of biological research.

As geopolitical tensions rise, the international community will closely monitor whether the U.S. provides further clarifications or faces demands for independent inspections of the facilities. For now, the disclosure has shifted the focus from pandemic preparedness to geopolitical distrust, with no clear resolution in sight.