Who Has Bioweapons? UN Meets On Whether US Has Chemical Weapons In Ukraine

Russia called a United Nations Security Council meeting set for Friday because it claims that the U.S. and Ukraine plan to use biological weapons, specifically the plague and anthrax, against Russian forces.

The U.S. has denied these claims, saying it amounts to “gaslighting.” Ukraine has taken the comments to mean that Russia intends to use the weapons in Ukraine, then blame it on the U.S. or Ukrainian leadership.

The World Health Organization previously advised Ukraine to destroy pathogens in health labs so the spread of diseases due to shelling or other military activities can be prevented.

“This makes me really worried because we've been repeatedly convinced if you want to know Russia's plans, look at what Russia accuses others of,” said Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky, a sentiment which the White House shares, according to ABC News.

In former Soviet-controlled countries, the U.S. has worked with various governments on the Cooperative Threat Reduction Program, which secured and dismantled former bioweapons used by the Soviet Union. Claims from Russia and China alleging that the U.S. has continued the program in the region by developing its own bioweapons have been circulating for years.

While the U.S. does have a storied history of chemical weapons use, specifically in Vietnam, it would not be the first time the Kremlin is involved with chemical weapons allegations. Syrian leader Bashar Al Assad used chemical weapons on his own people with massive Russian support, specifically the use of sarin gas.

In addition, Russia has been accused of poisoning and targeting political opponents with chemical agents, including Alexei Navalny.

There is no evidence that the U.S. or Ukraine plan to use or have the alleged biological weapons in the region. This is likely the continuation of a disinformation and misinformation campaign by Russia.

Russia has been accused of war crimes in the continued invasion of Ukraine.