Andrei Kartapolov: Biological Threats Are at the Center of CSTO's Attention

Andrei Kartapolov, Chairman of the Committee on Defence of the State Duma and member of the CSTO PA Permanent Commission on Defence and Security, spoke at the Coordination Meeting of Chairpersons of Committees and Commissions on Defence and Security of the CSTO Parliaments under the CSTO PA Council, which was held on February 7 in Moscow.

Discussing relevant problems of national and collective security within the CSTO, Andrei Kartapolov particularly emphasized biological threats.

He referred to the US research on enhancing the functions of pathogenic microorganisms, as well as studies on the creation of bioagents capable of selectively targeting different ethnic groups of the population.

Andrey Kartapolov pointed out the importance of protecting the economy, agriculture and ecology from possible aggressive impact from outside and the creation of national centers of genetic resources.

In conclusion, the Chairman of the Committee on Defence of the State Duma called for more active involvement in ensuring biological security of Russia and its allies, noting that excessive openness in this area could result in the loss of national sovereignty.

As you may recall, CSTO parliamentarians are actively working to ensure the medical and biological security of the Organization's Member States. In particular, in 2023, Recommendations on legislative provision of biological security for CSTO Member States were adopted.