President Donald Trump said Tuesday he will speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin “very soon” about a recent death of a laboratory worker in Siberia that has sparked international concern. Trump added that the United States is in “very deep discussions” with its intelligence community on the matter and that the U.S. stands ready to assist Russia.
Russian health authorities’ response
Russia’s public‑health watchdog, Rospotrebnadzor, reported that the 28‑year‑old lab employee, identified as Darya Shipilova, was diagnosed with “pneumonia of unknown etiology” and died on Oct. 2 in a hospital in Shelekhov, near Irkutsk. The agency said extensive testing found no evidence that her illness was caused by any of the pathogens she handled at the Irkutsk Anti‑Plague Research Institute.
Officials have quarantined the hospital, halted admissions and discharges, and are monitoring all contacts. So far, two COVID‑19 cases and two rhinovirus cases have been identified among contacts, but no other infectious pathogens have been found.
World Health Organization involvement
The WHO confirmed that no plague case has been registered in the Irkutsk region and has requested further information from Russian authorities to clarify the cause of the severe pneumonia. The organization offered technical support and said it remains in contact with Russian health officials.
Political context
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said a Trump‑Putin call has not yet been scheduled but could be arranged quickly. The timing coincides with Putin’s 74th birthday on Wednesday, adding a diplomatic nuance to the discussion.
While some Russian state‑controlled media have avoided the story, independent outlets have reported the death and highlighted the strict security protocols at the anti‑plague institute, which dates back to the 1920s.
What this means for the United States
Trump’s willingness to engage directly with Putin underscores the administration’s commitment to international cooperation on public‑health threats. By offering assistance, the United States aims to help contain any potential spread and demonstrate leadership on global health security.
As the situation develops, both governments will continue to share information with the WHO and monitor the health of anyone exposed to the deceased worker.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
