In brief
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov warned against rumours after a lab technician was killed at a plague research centre in Siberia. Peskov said the official cause was pneumonia of unknown origin and urged citizens to rely on the Ministry of Health. BBC Russia editor Steve Rosenberg questioned Peskov about a recent offer from US President Donald Trump to provide medical assistance. The incident highlights Russia’s sensitivity to foreign involvement in domestic science affairs.
After a lab technician died at a plague research centre in Siberia, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov called on Russians not to listen to unfounded rumours.
Peskov confirmed that the Ministry of Health had declared the official cause of death a pneumonia of unknown origin and urged the public to follow only the Ministry’s reports.
BBC Russia editor Steve Rosenberg used the opportunity to ask Peskov about US President Donald Trump’s recent offer to provide assistance, but Peskov deflected, emphasizing the need for factual information.