The Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of Russia, Dmitry Medvedev said Thursday that he believes the public can see the appearance of new viruses “not only of natural, but also of artificial origin”, leaving hints not only of nuclear, but also of biological warfare.

Speaking at the meeting of the presidium of the Presidential Council of Science and Education, he said that Russia, like many other countries, is “closely watching” what is happening in this area. He also recalled Russia’s concerns about “US biomilitary activity in the post-Soviet space.”

Medvedev claimed that “the Pentagon has created dozens of specialized biolabs and centers around Russia’.

“Despite the rhetoric and assurances that all this activity is purely scientific or aimed at maintaining the epidemiological well-being of the population, we know that this is not entirely true, to put it mildly. It is obvious that during the special “military operation” (war in Ukraine) receipts were obtained of this hostile activity,” Medvedev argued.

He called for “the greatest possible attention to this type of external threats and to ensure Russia’s technological readiness for the emergence and spread of any new infections.”

“The government has prepared its version of the most important innovation project of national importance. It should be linked as closely as possible to the list of presidential directives, as well as to the idea proposed by the advisory group on scientific and technological development. The document should be as relevant as possible and take into account all possible risks and threats,” Medvedev said, according to TASS.

He recalled that Russian President Putin issued instructions for the development of this project in 2021. Medvedev said that the project provided for the creation of a Russian research and technological platform, “which will allow an immediate response in the emergence and spread of new infections”.

“A lot is being said about it. It looks like the Covid situation is clear, but it remains to be seen what will happen next We must be ready. Therefore, this project and its continuation are extremely important for the state,” he said.