The deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council has expressed concerns about the potential of a “zombie apocalypse” being triggered by the United States. Dmitry Medvedev, a former Russian president, raised alarms about the possibility of deadly outbreaks akin to those depicted in the popular TV series ‘The Last of Us’ due to American biological research activities.
In an essay focusing on emerging technology threats, Medvedev highlighted the risks posed by advancements in biotechnology and US military research, suggesting that these developments could lead to catastrophic epidemics. Notably, he did not reference Russian President Vladimir Putin’s alleged use of nerve agents and toxins against critics like Alexei Navalny.
Recent revelations from scientists at Porton Down, the UK’s secretive defense lab in Wiltshire, have linked epibatidine, a potent neurotoxin from South American dart frogs, to biological samples associated with Navalny’s case. Navalny, a Kremlin critic, was discovered deceased in a remote Arctic penal facility on February 16, 2024, at the age of 47.
Medvedev’s extensive article titled “New Technologies: A Stairway to Heaven or a Road to Hell” warned about the potential real-world implications of scenarios depicted in ‘The Last of Us’. He accused the US of operating a global network of approximately 400 biological laboratories worldwide, alleging that this research could lead to the dissemination of dangerous diseases, a claim dismissed by Western governments as misinformation.
Describing the global military biological network established by the US, Medvedev highlighted the risks faced by millions of people who could unknowingly be exposed to deadly threats. He emphasized the role of around 400 dual-use BSL-class laboratories, mainly located in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Africa, and the former Soviet Union, in managing epidemics and studying human genetic factors related to disease resistance.
Furthermore, Medvedev raised concerns about the potential for genetically engineered pathogens to be synthetically created and spread, posing challenges for traceability. He also cautioned about the negative impacts of AI advancements, including job displacement, cyberattacks on critical infrastructure, and potential vulnerabilities in essential systems like nuclear power plants.
In addition, Medvedev highlighted the transformative impact of drone swarms in modern warfare, likening the concept to a “remote killing” video game system that could desensitize individuals to violence. He criticized Western tech giants and governments for allegedly exploiting digital platforms to exert control over populations through algorithms and data manipulation.
Having served as Russia’s president from 2008 to 2012, Medvedev has emerged as a prominent anti-Western voice within the Kremlin following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. He frequently shares provocative statements online predicting dire scenarios like the collapse of the West, nuclear conflict, or the demise of Ukraine, asserting that global attention will eventually shift towards technological threats affecting humanity.
