Lauge Risom Koch 
Outgoing US intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard has released documents concerning US-funded biological laboratories, including facilities in Ukraine, reviving claims that critics say mirror long-discredited Russian narratives.
Declassified documents relating to biological research facilities funded by the United States, including laboratories in Ukraine have been released by outgoing US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, reigniting a debate that has been at the center of Russian disinformation campaigns since the start of the war.
The publication has drawn criticism from analysts and journalists who argue that the claims echo narratives long promoted by the Kremlin.
Documents released
According to United24Media, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) published documents concerning more than 120 biological research facilities in over 30 countries that received US funding.
The ODNI said some of the laboratories handled dangerous pathogens and claimed that information about their activities had not been fully disclosed to the public.
Among the facilities mentioned was a US-funded laboratory in Ukraine that, according to the agency, stored hazardous pathogens and could have been vulnerable during Russia’s full-scale invasion.
The released documents did not provide detailed evidence regarding any alleged controversial research activities.
Controversial allegations
In a statement accompanying the release, Gabbard accused officials and health experts of misleading the public about the existence and purpose of the laboratories.
“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,” she said.
According to United24Media, Gabbard also suggested that some facilities may have conducted so-called gain-of-function studies, which allegedly could involve dangerous pathogens.
The ODNI announced that US intelligence agencies would increase monitoring of biological research facilities overseas.
Critics respond
The release quickly drew criticism from observers who questioned both the timing and presentation of the documents.
According to United24Media, the accompanying map contained several geographical inaccuracies, including an incorrect location for Kyiv and references to Crimea as a Ukrainian laboratory site.
Bellingcat executive director Christo Grozev argued that the publication effectively provided “another information operation” for the Kremlin.
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Long-running narrative
Claims about alleged US biological weapons programs in Ukraine have circulated for years and have been repeatedly promoted by Russian officials.
According to United24Media, citing information from Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, many of the laboratories referenced in US documents were part of post-Cold War threat reduction programs designed to secure former Soviet biological infrastructure and improve disease monitoring.
US officials have consistently maintained that cooperation with Ukrainian laboratories focused on public health, disease surveillance and biological threat detection.
In 2023, the US State Department accused Russia of advancing disinformation campaigns about biological weapons programs in Ukraine to justify its invasion and weaken international support for Kyiv.
Sources: United24Media, Office of the Director of National Intelligence, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Bellingcat
