US – Trump: We do not think the Russian plague is a biological weapon

WASHINGTON, 7 October /ATSH-AFP/ – US President Donald Trump said today that the death of an employee of a Russian plague laboratory does not appear to be linked to the use of a biological weapon.

“We don’t think so. We will find out very soon, but we don’t think so,” President Trump told reporters in the Oval Office, when asked whether a biological weapon was involved.

Earlier, Russia warned against spreading “false” information, while a second suspected case was reported.

The US and the UN have asked Russia for more transparency about the situation.

President Trump said Russia insists the situation is under control, but added that Moscow is not providing much information.

“If you listen to them, the situation is under control. But you know, people have said the same thing about other things too,” Trump said, referring to Moscow’s response.

Referring to China’s initial response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Trump added that “China didn’t say much, and Russia isn’t saying much either. But they say they have the situation completely under control.”

President Trump repeated that he has planned a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the issue, but did not say when it would take place.

“Today is Vladimir Putin’s birthday,” Trump added.