A senior US defense official experienced symptoms of ‘Havana syndrome’ during the NATO summit in Vilnius, reigniting concerns over the mysterious condition and suspicions of Russian involvement.
A senior US defense official experienced symptoms associated with ‘Havana syndrome’ at the NATO summit in Vilnius, Lithuania, in 2023, as revealed by the Pentagon. ‘Havana syndrome’ is characterized by unexplained head pressure, pain, and dizziness, first identified in Havana, Cuba, in 2016. The incident at the NATO summit has reignited suspicions of Russian involvement in such cases, although the official affected was not part of Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s delegation but was attending separate summit-related meetings. The Pentagon has established a registry to report these incidents, with investigations ongoing.
Marc Polymeropoulos, a former CIA officer, recounted his own severe symptoms linked to the syndrome, leading to his retirement. Since 2016, around 200 American personnel worldwide have reported similar experiences, with cases emerging in China, Russia, and even within the United States. Despite comprehensive studies, the precise cause remains elusive, with directed energy attacks being a primary suspicion.
The broader context includes growing concerns over World War III fears, attributed to a network of Russian agents allegedly operating globally, which could pose a threat to NATO officials. Mykola Volkivskyi, an ex-advisor to Ukraine’s parliament, warned of potential attacks on Western officials and violations of NATO airspace by Russian missiles, noting an incident when Poland had to scramble fighter jets in response. These developments raise tensions between Russia and NATO, with the US intelligence community actively investigating Russia’s possible involvement in these incidents. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has emphasized the US government’s dedication to investigating and addressing ‘Havana syndrome’, underscoring support for the affected individuals.
