Jonathan Landay. Humeyra Pamuk. Simon Lewis

(Reuters). Despite the United Nations’ assertion that there is no evidence Ukraine developed biological weapons, Washington and its allies charged Russia with spreading unproven claims as a prelude to launching their own biological or chemical attack.

Russia called the U.N. Security Council 15 member meeting, to reassert via its envoy Vassily Nebenzia that Ukraine operated biological weapons laboratories under U.S. Defense Department support.

The claim was called “a lie” by member countries and “utter absurdity” by others. They used the session as an opportunity to accuse Russia, in the form of intentionally targeting and killing hundreds in Ukraine. These accusations were denied in Russia’s 15-day military offensive.

Izumi Nagamitsu, U.N. High Representative on Disarmament Affairs told the council that they are “not aware” about any chemical weapons programs in Ukraine. This country joined an international ban, along with Russia and 180 other countries, against these arms.

A 2005 deal provided for assistance by the Pentagon to several Ukrainian public healthcare laboratories in improving security and protection against dangerous pathogens. These efforts were supported by the World Health Organization and other countries.

The WHO informed Reuters that on Thursday it advised Ukraine to eradicate high-threat disease pathogens stored in its public health laboratory to avoid “any potential spills” which could spread diseases among the people.

Linda Thomas Greenfield, the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations said that Washington was concerned Russia called the session a “false-flag effort” in order to set the stage for its use of chemical and biological weapons in Ukraine.

Although there was no indication of a Russian threat, she stated that Russia has an illustrious track record of accusing others of violations Russia is committing.

Elle added that Russia might be planning to use biological or chemical agents against the Ukrainian population.

She stated that the intent of these lies was clear and deeply troubling. We believe Russia may use biological or chemical agents to assassinate, either as part of staged, false flag incidents or as a support for tactical military operations.”

RUSSIA CITES U.S. 2003 IRANQ ASSERTION

Nebenzia, in response to Thomas Greenfield’s statement, recalled the testimony by Colin Powell from 2003 Security Council when he claimed that Washington was proving that Iraq had banned weapons-of-mass destruction programs.

To justify their 2003 invasion of Iraq, the United States made this assertion which was later proven to be incorrect.

Thomas-Greenfield answered the Russian Envoy by saying: “I understand that you expect me respond, but we aren’t going to airtime the lies you’re listening to today.”

U.S. allies agreed with Thomas-Greenfield that Russian President Vladimir Putin had been spreading the claims of an American-backed bioweapons programme in Ukraine for preparing its own chemical, biological or other attacks against Ukraine.

Ferit Hoxha from NATO member Albania stated, “The council should be not served with fantasies, starry-eyed stories. But with independent verified and collaborative proof.”

He said, “We must be concerned that Russia could use a crescendo if they spread such disinformation to create yet another excuse for Russia to attack Ukraine with chemical and biological weapons.”

Nicholas de Riviere, the French ambassador, noted along with several others, Russia used nerve agents in unsuccessful attempts to murder Alexei Navalny, an opposition leader. Also, Sergei Skripal (a former Russian intelligence officer), defected to Britain and was killed.

These allegations are denied by Russia

Joe Biden spoke to journalists earlier Friday and warned Russia it will pay “severe consequences” for using chemical weapons against Ukraine.