Former Russian President Warns of US-Led 'Zombie Apocalypse' from Biological Research
Dmitry Medvedev, the deputy chairman of Russia's Security Council and former president, has issued a stark warning that American biological research could unleash a catastrophic "zombie apocalypse," drawing parallels to the popular TV series The Last of Us. In a lengthy essay, Medvedev argued that advances in biotechnology and US military activities pose severe threats to global health and security.
Claims of a Global Biological Network
Medvedev asserted that the United States has established a vast network of approximately 400 dual-use biological laboratories worldwide, operating in regions such as the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Africa, and former Soviet states. He accused Washington of using these facilities as testing grounds for research that could spread dangerous diseases, a claim repeatedly dismissed by Western governments as disinformation.
"The United States, as is well known, has formed a global military biological network, using other countries as testing grounds," Medvedev wrote. "As a result, millions of people are unwittingly becoming hostages to deadly threats." He suggested that this infrastructure, developed with Pentagon involvement, allows the US to manage epidemic spread and study genetic factors affecting disease resistance.
Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering Risks
In his essay titled "New Technologies: A Stairway to Heaven or a Road to Hell," Medvedev painted a dystopian future where genetic engineering and synthetic biology could lead to artificially created pathogens. He warned that such advancements might enable the development of new diseases that are difficult to trace, potentially triggering outbreaks reminiscent of fictional scenarios.
"After some time, the zombie apocalypse demonstrated by Americans themselves in the game and TV series The Last of Us may not be so fantasy," he stated, highlighting his concerns over the potential for real-world epidemics.
Broader Technological Threats Outlined
Beyond biological risks, Medvedev's article addressed a range of technological dangers, including artificial intelligence and autonomous weapons. He cautioned that AI could destroy millions of jobs, launch cyberattacks on critical infrastructure, and even seize control of systems like nuclear power plants. Additionally, he predicted that drone swarms could transform warfare into a "remote killing" system, lowering psychological barriers to violence.
Medvedev also accused Western tech giants and governments of using digital platforms to "softly enslave" populations through algorithms and data control, further emphasizing his anti-Western stance.
Context of Medvedev's Statements
Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Medvedev has become one of the Kremlin's most vocal anti-Western figures, frequently posting inflammatory predictions online about the collapse of the West or nuclear conflict. In his latest remarks, he described the Ukraine war as a crisis "fuelled by Russophobic countries seeking Russia's defeat" and suggested global attention would eventually shift to technological threats.
Notably, Medvedev neglected to mention Russia's own controversial actions, such as the use of nerve agents and poisons against opponents, while focusing criticism on US activities. His claims come amid ongoing tensions between Russia and the West, with his essay serving as a platform for promoting Kremlin narratives on security and technology.
