Trump Plans Putin Birthday Call and Plays Down Russia Plague Bioweapon Fears

President Trump announced on October 7 that he has a call arranged with Russian President Vladimir Putin, with the conversation coinciding with Putin's birthday. No specific timeframe for the call was provided, though Russia signaled the conversation could be arranged soon as both administrations navigate bilateral discussions and emerging global crises.

The planned call comes amid concern over a plague-related death at a laboratory in Siberia's Irkutsk region, where nearly 200 people were placed under medical observation earlier in the week over suspected exposure. Trump said the U.S. does not believe the incident involves a bioweapon but added that the country will investigate further. He noted that Russia has said the situation is under control and that he expects Russia to share significant information.

CDC Director Schwartz assessed the risk to the United States as "extremely low" and said the agency is coordinating with other federal agencies to monitor travelers arriving from Siberia. Trump acknowledged Russia has not been forthcoming, saying simply that "Russia isn't saying much."