Trump Comments on Russian Plague Incident and Plans Call with Putin
President Donald Trump stated that the U.S. does not believe the death of a Russian laboratory worker from suspected plague is due to a bioweapon. The incident has led to nearly 200 people being placed under medical observation in Russia's Irkutsk region after exposure concerns arose. Trump also announced plans for a call with Russian President Vladimir Putin later that day, which was scheduled on the occasion of Putin’s birthday and would focus on the plague-related developments. During an Oval Office event promoting Trump Accounts—new tax-deferred savings accounts for children—he addressed questions about Russia's handling of the situation. Trump compared Russia's current communication to China during the early stages of the Covid-19 outbreak, noting that both countries have been relatively quiet but claim control over their respective situations. The comments were made in a broader context of Trump promoting his policy initiatives.
Topics: bioweapon speculation plague incident U.S.-Russia relations