Russia expands biological weapons research center

Russia has begun refurbishing and expanding a biological weapons research center in the Moscow region.

This was reported by The Washington Post with reference to the satellite images.

A study conducted by the publication shows that after the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, work began on the center’s territory to restore and expand the premises of the facility.

In the past, the center was used by the USSR Ministry of Defense and was the main research center for biological weapons, viruses and other biological weapons.

According to the publication, 10 buildings with a total area of 23 square kilometers are currently under construction on the site, and the old ones are being reconstructed. Most of the buildings show signs of being used as laboratories due to the large and advanced air conditioning system.

The satellite imagery shows dozens of rooftop air conditioning units, a corresponding layout that matches the distribution of laboratories, as well as underground infrastructure and a separate power plant to continuously power these buildings.

Despite the development of biolaboratories in Russia, no signs of such weapons being used in Ukraine have been recorded to date.

However, the Russian authorities confirm certain work taking place at this facility, but claim that it will be aimed at studying deadly viruses such as Ebola.

In turn, the Western politicians and experts are concerned about the refurbishing of the laboratory, as the true reasons for its renewed use are currently unknown, as well as the likelihood of its use for military purposes and the development of biological weapons of mass destruction there.

“The modernization is consistent with the historical role of this secure, top-secret military biological facility in the development of viral biological weapons,” said Andrew Weber, a former senior Pentagon official.

It should be noted that the Western experts, analyzing the satellite images, concluded that the laboratories would meet the BSL-4 security level, which allowed operations to study the most dangerous viruses.

In addition to the biological laboratories, Russia is also restoring its nuclear test site in Novaya Zemlya for new nuclear tests.