U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the United States is willing to assist Russia after a laboratory worker at a plague research institution in Siberia died of illness, while Russian authorities claim that the situation is under control.
When asked about this at the White House on Monday, Trump said, "We will help." According to Reuters' transcript, he also stated, "We will always provide assistance to anyone who encounters such problems."
It is reported that a laboratory staff member at an anti-plague research institution in the Irkutsk region of eastern Siberia fell ill and died under unknown circumstances. Subsequently, authorities reportedly quarantined nearly 200 people, which has raised concerns regarding public health.
Trump said that he has not yet discussed this matter with Russian officials, but referred to plague as a "serious disease."
"We used to be able to control this disease," Trump said, adding, "For some reason, those microorganisms have become stronger and stronger, like an army."
An unnamed spokesperson for the U.S. State Department told CNBC: “We are closely monitoring the situation with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) and other interdepartmental partners. Many details have not yet been confirmed. We encourage Russian authorities to share accurate information promptly and openly.”
Trump stated that the United States will do its utmost to help Russia. Previously, despite the escalating tensions caused by the war between Moscow and Ukraine, he had said that he considered Russian President Vladimir Putin to be a person with whom cooperation was possible.
In an email response, the World Health Organization stated that the cause of death has not yet been confirmed and that testing is still ongoing. The WHO said it has maintained contact with Russian authorities and is ready to provide support when necessary; based on the current information, the risk assessment for the general public is considered low.
It is still unclear whether Moscow has sought, or will seek, any assistance.
