U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans for a discussion with Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding a potential case of plague at a Siberian research institute. Trump revealed this information during a press briefing at the White House, mentioning that the conversation with Putin is scheduled to take place imminently. The recent death of an employee at the anti-plague institute, attributed to pneumonia of an unknown origin, is under investigation by health authorities.
When questioned about the U.S. intelligence community’s assessment of the situation, Trump indicated ongoing extensive deliberations on the matter. He mentioned that updates on the topic would likely be provided the following day. Meanwhile, the World Health Organization reported on Tuesday that the risk associated with the case is deemed “very low” outside Russia. The organization stated its engagement with Russian authorities following the passing of a female staff member at the Irkutsk Anti-Plague Research Institute of Siberia and the Far East last week.
In a previous statement on Monday, President Trump expressed the United States’ readiness to assist Russia in dealing with the situation. This communication initiative coincides with an impending deadline for the Trump administration to identify Russian entities for potential sanctions under the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act, enacted on September 18. Ukraine has submitted a list to the administration and Congress outlining Russian companies, vessels, and individuals it recommends for sanctions under the aforementioned law.
