In brief
The Kremlin’s chief spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, dismissed rumours surrounding the death of a lab technician at a Siberian plague research centre, insisting that information should come only from official health authorities. The health watchdog cited pneumonia of unknown origin as the cause of death. BBC Russia editor Steve Rosenberg asked Peskov about President Donald Trump’s recent offer of support to Russian scientists. The incident has raised questions about transparency and the safety standards at Russia’s high‑risk virology facilities.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov publicly replied to a question from BBC Russia about a death at a plague research centre in Siberia, urging people not to listen to rumours.
The Russian public‑health watchdog named pneumonia of unknown origin as the official cause of death for the technician. Peskov said that only information from those sources should be trusted.
BBC editor Steve Rosenberg also asked Peskov about President Donald Trump’s offer of assistance to Russia following the incident. The Kremlin accused Western media of inflaming speculation and called on the public to stick to reliable channels.
The death has prompted international concern over safety protocols for high‑risk virology work and highlighted tension over geopolitical cooperation on pandemic preparedness.
