Outgoing the Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard released newly declassified documents today showing American taxpayer dollars supported over 120 biological laboratories across more than 30 foreign nations. Upon assuming her duties last year, the intelligence chief criticized Biden administration officials for allegedly concealing the existence of these labs.

This done by the ODNI hoping to promote greater transparency around US-funded biological research facilities abroad as part of an initiative aimed at preventing dangerous pathogen experiments that could trigger pandemics, like COVID‑19.

Gabbard’s inquiry was launched under President Trump’s executive order targeting gain-of-function research—scientific work that can enhance the transmissibility of viruses and other pathogens.

In its statement to the press, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence states that many U.S.-funded biolabs have engaged in or continue conducting research with dangerous, highly contagious pathogens, including Gain-of-Function studies at times, with minimal transparency or regulatory supervision.

Gabbard also notes that roughly one-third of the biolabs referenced in these declassified records are based in Ukraine. These facilities face increased vulnerability given their storage of hazardous biological materials and their exposure during the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, creating potential security risks.

Of particular concern, approximately one-third of the biolabs referenced in the documents are situated in Ukraine. As DNI Tulsi Gabbard points out, the facilities reportedly face heightened risks due to their possession of hazardous pathogens and their exposure during Russia’s ongoing conflict in the region, potentially compromising their security.

Four years ago, Biden’s Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland testified before Congress that Ukraine has biological research facilities which, in fact, we are now quite concerned Russian troops, Russian forces, may be seeking to gain control of. The Biden White House issued denials the following day.

It is high time that this information was made released. There have always been accusations of the existence of biolabs, especially in Ukraine, that were not widely known until now. People worldwide suffered greatly resulting from the COVID‑19 pandemic and, hopefully, this will also help stop that from even happening again.

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