Russia says it's open to a Trump-Putin call as questions mount over plague lab death
Updated on: October 7, 2026 / 9:37 PM EDT / CBS News
TL;DR
- Russia is open to a call between Presidents Trump and Putin regarding the death of a plague research center employee.
- The deceased, Darya Shipilova, worked at the Irkutsk Anti-Plague Institute.
- Russian authorities cite "pneumonia of unknown origin" as the cause of death and deny epidemic risk.
- The WHO has requested further information on the incident.
- Concerns have been raised about the nature of the research at the Irkutsk facility, including potential bioterrorism preparedness.
- Neighboring countries have increased precautionary measures at their borders with Russia.