August M
Parting gifts in politics can sometimes leave a trail of chaos. When top officials prepare to step down, their final choices often spark intense public debate.
Now, a sudden move from an intelligence chief has reignited a fierce global argument, reports the Ukrainian state-owned media outlet, United24Media.
Old theories returned
According to United24Media, outgoing US intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard has stirred up a storm before her June 30 departure. Her office released declassified files on June 12 about more than 120 foreign biological research facilities.
The Office of the Director of National Intelligence stated these labs span 30 countries and received American funding. The agency claimed some facilities handled dangerous pathogens without full public disclosure.
One Ukrainian facility allegedly held dangerous materials and faced risks during the war. However, the files lacked detailed proof about the actual research.
Gabbard criticized American leaders directly in an official statement. “Despite the obvious potential for catastrophic global impact, politicians, so-called health experts like Dr. Fauci, and members of the Biden administration lied to the American people about the existence of these labs,” Gabbard said.
Map errors and backlash
The sudden release drew heavy criticism from experts who spotted major mistakes. Observers pointed out that the accompanying map placed Kyiv in the wrong spot and mislabeled sites like Crimea.
Bellingcat executive director Christo Grozev argued that Gabbard essentially gave the Kremlin another information operation to use.
Financial Times correspondent Christopher Miller suggested the move matched Gabbard’s long-standing interest in theories about American labs in Ukraine.
The real history
Moscow frequently claims Ukraine runs secret biological weapons programs, which Washington and international groups consistently deny. Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty reported these facilities belonged to post-Cold War threat reduction programs meant to secure old Soviet infrastructure.
The United States says its work focuses entirely on public health. The Pentagon stated in 2022 that the US had given around $200 million since 2005 to support 46 Ukrainian diagnostic and health sites.
The US State Department previously accused Russia of spreading these false stories to justify its invasion. With Gabbard leaving office, this intelligence drop has given an old conspiracy fresh life.
Sources: United24Media, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Bellingcat, Financial Times
