U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday (October 8, 2026) that the death of a Russian plague laboratory worker did not appear to be linked to a biological weapon.

“We don’t think so. We’re going to find out soon enough, but we don’t think so,” Mr. Trump told reporters in the Oval Office when asked if a “bio-weapon” was involved.

Russia warned earlier against “false” information as reports emerged of a second suspected case. The U.S. and UN have urged Russia to be more transparent.

Mr. Trump said Russia insisted it had the situation under control, but added that not much information was coming out.

“If you listen to them, it’s under control. But you know, people have said that before about other things,” Mr. Trump said of Moscow’s response.

Referring to China’s initial response to the Covid pandemic, Mr. Trump added: “Well, China didn’t say much, and Russia is not saying much either. But they do say they have it very much under control.”

Mr. Trump reiterated that he has a phone call scheduled with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the issue, but would not say when.

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