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The United States has published declassified documents concerning the funding of more than 120 biological laboratories operating in over 30 countries, including Ukraine.
According to a statement by Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, the materials were released after several months of reviewing intelligence community archives. The documents reportedly describe programs financed with US taxpayer funds and suggest that the scale of some activities had not been fully disclosed to the public.
The released files mention a laboratory in Ukraine that allegedly received US funding and stored dangerous pathogens. According to the documents, the facility could have been vulnerable to capture, damage, or attack during wartime. No detailed information about the specific research conducted at the laboratory was provided.
Gabbard stated that a number of laboratories were involved in research using highly contagious pathogens, including studies described as “gain-of-function” research. She argued that the potential risks associated with such work had not been adequately communicated to the American public.
The intelligence chief also announced plans to strengthen monitoring and intelligence gathering related to biological research facilities operating abroad.
At the same time, independent verification of the claims contained in the newly released documents has not yet been provided. Allegations regarding “biolaboratories” in Ukraine have previously been widely used in Russian disinformation campaigns since the start of the full-scale invasion.
The publication of the documents comes shortly before Gabbard’s departure from office, scheduled for June 30. According to official information, she is stepping down due to her husband’s serious illness. CIA veteran Aaron Lucas is expected to serve as acting director following her resignation.
