Kremlin Dismisses Allegations of Involvement in “Havana Syndrome”
The Kremlin has rebuffed a recent report suggesting Russian military intelligence, specifically a unit known as 29155, may be linked to the mysterious “Havana syndrome” that has affected U.S. diplomats and spies worldwide. The investigative report by Insider, in collaboration with 60 Minutes and Germany’s Der Spiegel, claimed that members of the GRU unit were present at locations where health incidents involving U.S. personnel occurred. Additionally, it alleged that senior members of Unit 29155 received recognition for their involvement in developing “non-lethal acoustic weapons.”
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed these claims, labeling them as baseless and unfounded accusations perpetuated by the media. Peskov emphasized the lack of convincing evidence supporting these allegations, which have persisted for years without substantial proof. He reiterated that the topic of the “Havana Syndrome” has long been exaggerated and tied to accusations against Russia, despite the absence of credible evidence.
The U.S. intelligence community conducted an investigation, the results of which were released last year, concluding that it was highly unlikely that a foreign adversary was responsible for the syndrome. The ailment, characterized by symptoms such as migraines, nausea, memory lapses, and dizziness, was first reported by U.S. embassy officials in Havana, Cuba, in 2016.
According to the Insider report, incidents resembling “Havana Syndrome” may have occurred as early as two years prior in Frankfurt, Germany. It recounted an episode where a U.S. government employee stationed at the consulate was rendered unconscious by what appeared to be a powerful energy beam.
In response to the challenges posed by “Havana Syndrome,” the U.S. Congress passed the Havana Act in 2021, authorizing various government agencies to provide assistance and compensation to affected staff and their families during their assignments. As investigations continue and allegations persist, the true origins and causes of “Havana Syndrome” remain a subject of intense scrutiny and debate on the international stage.
