Trump Schedules Call With Putin Amid Concerns Over Russian Lab Death
President Trump plans to discuss a potential pneumonic plague case in Russia with Vladimir Putin following the death of a lab worker in Irkutsk.
POLICY WIRE — Washington, USA — President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that he has arranged a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin to address concerns regarding the pneumonic plague. The discussion follows the death of a female employee at a Russian anti-plague facility, an event that has triggered international anxiety regarding public health.
While speaking to reporters on the White House South Lawn, Trump confirmed that the call is scheduled to occur very soon. The Russian Embassy in Washington did not provide an immediate response when asked to comment on the President’s remarks.
Earlier on Monday, Trump expressed his willingness to assist Russia, describing the pneumonic plague as a rough disease. He noted that the United States is always prepared to offer support to any nation facing such a significant health challenge.
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The situation stems from the death of 28-year-old Darya Shipilova, who worked at the Irkutsk Anti-Plague Institute of Siberia and the Far East. A Russian health watchdog reported last week that she died from a pneumonia of undetermined origin, though the agency stated that subsequent testing of her contacts revealed two cases of Covid and one of rhinovirus, with no evidence of plague.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio addressed the situation during a news conference in Iceland on Tuesday, urging Russia to increase transparency. Rubio cautioned against premature assumptions, stating that it would be reckless to speculate on the nature of the incident given the current lack of comprehensive information.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed it is actively monitoring reports of the death, which it identified as a suspected case of pneumonic plague in the Irkutsk region. The agency stated on X that there is currently no indication of a broader threat to the United States, though it remains prepared to continue tracking the situation alongside interagency partners.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
