Russia responds to US help offer after death of plague researcher

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov urged citizens to avoid “rumours” after a laboratory technician died at a Siberian plague research centre. The Russian public‑health watchdog, Rospotrebnadzor, listed the technician’s death as pneumonia of unknown origin.

Peskov said people should rely only on official sources and not speculation, warning that “various rumours” could create panic. He also said the Kremlin was fully aware of the circumstances and would investigate any unlawful behaviour at the facility.

BBC Russia editor Steve Rosenberg asked the spokesman about a recent offer by United States President Donald Trump to support Russian scientists following the incident. Trump’s offer was described as a gesture of “co‑operation” and an attempt to reassure the international scientific community.

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