Currently, there is a lot of evidence that Russia is actively using chemical weapons against the Armed Forces of Ukraine. However, new data indicate the possible preparation of the Kremlin for the use of biological weapons. As reported by The Washington Post, satellite images of the companies MAXAR and Planet Labs revealed the construction of a specialized laboratory complex near Moscow, designed to research and process dangerous pathogens.
History and new objects
The new location, Sergiev Posad-6, served in the past as a major biological weapons research center during the Cold War, where experiments were conducted on viruses such as smallpox and Ebola. The pictures show not only the renovation of the old laboratories, but also the construction of ten new facilities with a total area of more than 250,000 square feet. Some of the new buildings bear the hallmarks of biological laboratories designed to work with dangerous pathogens.
According to WP, the clearing of the territory of the complex began in May 2022, that is, several months after the start of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine. This period coincides with the Kremlin's disinformation campaign, in which the US was accused of supporting Ukraine in the creation of a biological weapons program.
Signs of a biological object
Satellite images indicate that the new complex has a high level of security: dozens of air handling units on the roofs, isolated rooms, underground infrastructure and a power plant. However, biological defense experts note that it is impossible to determine with certainty whether Russia plans to conduct research in the field of offensive biological weapons from satellite images.
Labs working on vaccines can look a lot like those working on biological weapons. Nevertheless, security measures such as checkpoints, road design, tree clearance and fencing are in place at the facility, indicating its increased secrecy.
Suspicions and potential threats
Sergiev Posad-6 is one of three Russian weapons facilities that have never been accessed by international experts. According to estimates of American intelligence, frozen collections of viruses studied in Soviet times may be stored there. Previously, Soviet scientists tried to grow new strains of plague bacteria, genetically modified to increase resistance to antibiotics.
The military reports that the Russian occupiers are already actively using chemical weapons at the front. To confuse the enemy's troops, they can first drop ordinary smoke grenades, and then poison grenades. It is important to note that detecting the use of biological weapons is much more difficult than chemical or radiation weapons, but fortunately, the enemy has not resorted to their use so far.
