Claim: Victoria Nuland, the U.S. Under Secretary of State, acknowledges the existence of bioweapons laboratories in Ukraine.
Verdict: False
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A video allegedly featuring U.S. Under Secretary of State Victoria Nuland admitting to the presence of bioweapons laboratories in Ukraine is circulating on social media.
| Russia – Ukraine
‘The Russian forces could potentially seize control of Ukraine’s bioweapons laboratories, so we are working with the Ukrainians…’ Victoria Nuland, the de facto leader of Ukraine, admits in a video that bioweapons laboratories exist. |
In the 16-second video, Nuland can be heard saying: ‘We are working with the Ukrainians on how they can prevent the fall of research materials into the hands of Russian forces.’
She does not mention anything about bioweapons laboratories.
Faktoje found that this clip was taken from Nuland’s testimony before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on March 8, 2022.
When questioned by Senator Marco Rubio about whether Ukraine possesses biological or chemical weapons, Nuland replied:
‘Ukraine has biological research laboratories, which we are actually concerned now that Russian forces may seek to take control of. So, we are working with the Ukrainians on how they can prevent the fall of research materials into the hands of Russian forces if they approach.’
During a Senate hearing on March 10, 2022, U.S. National Intelligence Director Avril Haines clarified Nuland’s statement, explaining that biological laboratories, including those in schools and universities, ‘are equipped with materials or pathogens or other things that require restrictions to ensure proper handling and use.’
‘We should be concerned in the same manner as we should be concerned about a nuclear facility or other facilities, that if seized, could result in damages or theft. And those materials can indeed be misused, even if not intended for weaponry, but they can still pose risks or challenges for the local population,’ Haines stated.
In fact, according to the US Department of Defense, since 2005, the US government has invested $200 million in Ukraine, supporting 46 laboratories and Ukrainian health institutions. These institutions are distinct from biological weapons laboratories. They were actually established to prevent the spread of bioweapons.
After the collapse of the Soviet Union, materials used in Soviet biological weapons programs remained in Ukrainian territory. The Cooperative Threat Reduction Program was initiated to ensure that these materials are not misused or diverted for non-research purposes. Until 2014, this program also encompassed Russian laboratories.
On March 11, 2022, the UN Security Council convened a meeting concerning Russia’s allegations of biological weapons in Ukraine. Izumi Nakamitsu, the UN High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, stated that the UN ‘was not aware of any biological weapons program.’
