Kremlin Rebuffs All Allegations of Russia’s Involvement in ‘Havana Syndrome’
As the CIA chief has reportedly warned Russia of consequences if it is linked to presumed acoustic attacks referred to as the 'Havana Syndrome', and the Kremlin strongly rejects the US allegations.
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Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov (AA photo)
The Kremlin rejects all allegations of Russian involvement in alleged acoustic attacks on US diplomats known as the 'Havana Syndrome', Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on Thursday, adding that CIA Director William Burns did not raise the issue in Moscow.
"This topic was in no way raised by Burns in conversations with political interlocutors here in Moscow and it was not touched upon with the head of state [Vladimir Putin]. As for the content of Burns’s conversation with his colleagues in the special services, I have nothing to say here - this is not public information. The only thing is that here we can surely reject any hints, assumptions, or statements about the alleged involvement of the Russian side in these cases - we have nothing to do with this," Peskov told reporters.
What is happening?
The Washington Post reported that the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Director William Burns warned Russia of the consequences if the country is linked to presumed acoustic attacks that are being referred to as the 'Havana Syndrome'.
Burns delivered the message during a recent trip to Moscow, where he met with senior officials from Russia's intelligence agencies, according to a report released on Wednesday.
What is ‘Havana Syndrome’?
US diplomats were diagnosed with the ‘Havana Syndrome’ for the first time in Cuba in 2016, and then in China in 2018. The diplomats reported hearing piercing sounds that had long-term health consequences. Havana Syndrome symptoms, such as nausea and dizziness, have been reported by US diplomats in Russia, Tajikistan, Austria, and several African countries.
Furthermore, the US initially blamed Russia for the alleged acoustic attacks, but Moscow dismissed the claims as baseless and absurd. In July, Burns stated that Russia may be to blame for the incidents, but the US government lacks sufficient evidence to make a final determination.
Moscow has repeatedly rebutted allegations of any involvement in the presumed acoustic attack incidents.
