Russian UN Envoy: Ukraine, US breach BTWC
There is evidence of "dangerous military-biological activities" in the heart of Eastern Europe, says Russia's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Vasily Nebenzia.
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Russia's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Vasily Nebenzia
Russia's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Vasily Nebenzia, said that Kiev and Washington are violating the Convention on the Prohibition of Biological and Toxin Weapons (BTWC), also known as the Biological Weapons Convention.
The Biological Weapons Convention prohibits the development, manufacture, transfer, stockpiling, and use of biological and toxic weapons. The treaty is signed by 183 countries, including Russia, the United States, and Ukraine.
The Russian envoy stated at a UN Security Council meeting that there is evidence of "dangerous military-biological activities" in the heart of Eastern Europe.
Furthermore, Nebenzia stated that the fallout from these activities could have "splashed out" beyond the borders of Ukraine and into the entire region.
"The scale of impact, including among the population of European countries, in this case, is even difficult to imagine. It is possible that even the [impact caused by the] coronavirus epidemic could pale compared to this," the Russian envoy said.
Previously, the Russian Defense Ministry accused the Pentagon of funding biological research in Ukraine in order to develop bioweapons and study the spread of dangerous infections and viruses.
The US has referred to claims of US-funded biowarfare programs in Ukraine as "false pretexts" made "in an attempt to justify its own horrific actions in Ukraine."
Washington's statements came after Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland said there were biological laboratories in Ukraine and that the US was concerned that Russians could take control of them.
The Russian Defense Ministry, on the other hand, released a slew of documents claiming that components for biological weapons were being manufactured in Ukraine with direct US involvement and funding.
Given the military-biological activities in Ukraine, Russia may establish a consultation mechanism under the Biological Weapons Convention, according to Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova.
It is worth mentioning that the BTWC, which prohibits the development, acquisition, stockpiling, and use of biological and toxic weapons, is signed by 183 countries, including Russia, Ukraine, and the United States.
