Russia: Expansion of Former Soviet-Era Biological Weapons Facility / Surge in Child Sexual Abuse Due to Pardoned Criminals Sent to War

1. Russia’s Large-Scale Expansion of Soviet-Era “Biological Weapons” Research Facility

According to a Yonhap News report on the 27th, citing The Washington Post, Russia is undertaking a large-scale expansion of a facility notorious for biological weapons research dating back to the Soviet era. Since 2022, when Russia invaded Ukraine, the authorities have been refurbishing existing buildings and constructing an additional 10 new buildings at a site called “Sergiev Posad-6” located within a military-restricted zone near Moscow. Western intelligence officials are concerned that, as this facility was once used during the Cold War to weaponize deadly pathogens like smallpox, plague, and Ebola, its revival may indicate that Russia is resuming biological weapons research. Analysis of satellite images taken over the last two years by U.S. commercial satellite companies Maxar and Planet Labs suggests that some of the new buildings are likely Biosafety Level-4 (BSL-4) labs designed to handle the most dangerous pathogens. Such facilities employ controlled air pressure, filtration systems, and strict compartmentalization to protect researchers from infection.

2. Russia’s Pardons for Criminals to Fight in War Lead to Spike in Child Sexual Abuse

On the 30th, citing the UK’s Metro, Newsis reported that child sexual abuse cases in Russia have surged after criminals were pardoned to fight in the war in Ukraine. Last year, convictions for child sexual abuse in Russia nearly doubled. Behind this increase is President Vladimir Putin’s policy of enlisting criminals as mercenaries to bolster war efforts. Criminals can receive pardons or sentence reductions for military service, and pending cases are halted if they agree to fight before indictment. As a result, some previously convicted sex offenders, after serving in the war, have resumed committing crimes upon return. A UN investigation suggests that around 170,000 criminals were deployed to the war, and some have re-offended with acts of violence and sexual abuse after returning. The BBC reported that one prisoner, originally imprisoned for murder, committed another murder after fighting in the war, but was released again after rejoining the conflict.

Habakkuk 2: 5, 10~12

5 indeed, wine betrays him; he is arrogant and never at rest. Because he is as greedy as the grave and like death is never satisfied, he gathers to himself all the nations and takes captive all the peoples.

10 You have plotted the ruin of many peoples, shaming your own house and forfeiting your life.

11 The stones of the wall will cry out, and the beams of the woodwork will echo it.

12 "Woe to him who builds a city with bloodshed and establishes a town by crime!

🙏Pray for

1. Lord, destroy Russia’s evil schemes as they expand a notorious biological weapons facility—schemes that would send people alive to the grave. This land has become a rebellious, filthy city that does not hesitate to pardon heinous criminals for the sake of winning a war. It widens its desires like hell, never satisfied as death, and gathers all the world’s evils. Rebuke the Russian leaders who indulge in such wickedness and display Your justice. Overthrow the power of death that grips this land. May Your justice and righteousness shame all evildoers. Protect the suffering children and the weak so they may breathe in peace. Please, put an end to this war.

2. Yet we know You, God, delight in sinners who repent and turn from their wicked ways. Please bring about a work of salvation that lifts people from places of sin to the position of grace. Shine the light of the Cross upon those in distress and lead them into life. We earnestly pray that the Gospel may be delivered through every available channel.