Deadly pathogens, FSB, closed-off island: Ukraine's intel exposes Russia's biolab
Ukraine's intelligence reveals details of Russia's Tver region biolab (photo: Getty Images)
A secret complex, possibly linked to military research, is operating on the restricted Lisiy Island in Russia's Tver region, according to Andrii Cherniak, a representative of Ukraine's Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR).
Cherniak says the facility operates in the interests of Russia's Defense Ministry. The complex has existed since 1938. It was initially officially used to study animal diseases.
After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the facility gradually fell into disrepair. The situation changed in 2022, when Russia launched a major reconstruction of the complex. The old buildings were demolished, and new laboratory facilities were built in their place.
Ukrainian intelligence provided data indicating that the new structures have enhanced security features and are designed to handle biological samples and chemical substances. The facility has also been designated as important for "ensuring Russia's defense capability and security."
Details available of complex's activities
Officially, the facility is called the Center for Experimental Physiology. The Russian side claims that it studies diseases affecting domestic animals, including brucellosis and tuberculosis.
At the same time, in May, Russia's Federal Medical-Biological Agency began looking for a laboratory technician to work on the island. The requirements for candidates included experience working with pathogenic biological agents in Groups I-IV.
Under Russia's classification system, the most dangerous Group I includes pathogens that cause particularly dangerous infections. Russia lists plague, Ebola, smallpox, and anthrax among them.
This detail, according to Ukrainian intelligence, raises questions about the facility's actual purpose and the nature of the work being carried out there.
HUR representative Cherniak also highlighted the facility's history. According to him, US intelligence considered it a possible biological weapons development center as far back as the 1950s and 1960s.
The location of the complex is another issue of concern. It is situated on an island, and the surrounding waters have been closed to access since 2023.
"The Kremlin does not want anyone to get there and document what is happening there," Cherniak said.
Who guards the secret facility
According to the HUR representative, the complex is protected at the highest level. Its security involves units of the Federal Security Service (FSB) and the Federal Protective Service, a military garrison, as well as air defense systems and electronic warfare equipment.
Officially, however, the facility is subordinate to Russia's Federal Medical-Biological Agency. HUR claims that in practice, it operates in the interests of Russia's Defense Ministry.
The reconstruction of the complex on Lisiy Island also coincided with the expansion of Russia's 48th Central Research Institute of the Defense Ministry near Moscow. Ukrainian intelligence says both facilities were rebuilt as part of the same funding program.
What could happen in case of accident
Cherniak said a possible accident at such a facility could have far-reaching consequences for the Tver region and neighboring areas.
According to him, if aggressive chemicals entered the water, they could destroy the local ecosystem, after which the contamination could spread through rivers. In such a case, hundreds of thousands of people could lose access to drinking water.
Even more dangerous, according to the HUR representative, would be the release of pathogenic microorganisms into the water. He suggested that in the event of an accident, Russian authorities might not inform the public about the true scale of the threat.
Notably, on August 21, HUR reported that Russia had created a secret military-biological complex on Lisiy Island in the Tver region.
The facility is officially called the Center for Experimental Physiology, but intelligence states it operates in the interests of Russia's Defense Ministry.
