U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to reporters before boarding Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House on October 5, 2026 in Washington, DC.
Mehmet Ethel | Anadolu | Getty Images
US President Donald Trump has offered aid to Russia after a researcher at a Siberian plague laboratory became ill and died, although Russian authorities say the situation is under control.
Asked about the incident at the White House on Monday, President Trump told reporters: “We will work together.” “Anyone who has such problems, we are always ready to help,” Reuters records.
A researcher at a plague control research institute in eastern Siberia’s Irkutsk region reportedly fell ill and died in undisclosed circumstances, prompting authorities to quarantine nearly 200 people and raising public health concerns.
President Trump said he had not spoken to Russian officials about the issue, but described the plague as a “terrible disease.”
“This is a disease that we used to have control over,” Trump said, adding, “Somehow these microbes are getting stronger and stronger, and it’s like an army.”
A State Department spokesperson, who requested anonymity, told CNBC: “We are closely monitoring the situation with the CDC and other interagency partners. Many details have not been confirmed. We encourage Russian authorities to share accurate information quickly and openly.”
President Trump said the United States would do everything it could to support Russia. He has previously said he considers Russian President Vladimir Putin someone he can work with, despite tensions over Russia’s war in Ukraine.
In an emailed response, the World Health Organization said the cause of death was unconfirmed and investigations were ongoing. While assessing the risk to the general public as low based on available information, it said it was in contact with Russian authorities and providing assistance as necessary.
It remains unclear whether the Russian government is seeking or intends to accept any assistance.
