The United States has issued a formal complaint to Russia, seeking more information about a suspected death at a research institute in Siberia. The complaint warns Russia that it must disclose details about the death under international health regulations.
What happened
A lab worker at an anti-plague research institute in Siberia died, prompting concerns about a potential laboratory leak. Russian officials have not confirmed the cause of death, saying only that the worker died from pneumonia of unknown origin. The US has accused Russia of maintaining a biological weapons program, which Russia denies.
The US complaint, known as a démarche, was issued as President Donald Trump prepares to speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The US is seeking more information about the death and has warned Russia that it must comply with international health regulations. The World Health Organization requires countries to notify them within 24 hours of assessing an event that could become an international public health emergency.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the administration is watching the situation closely and warned against speculation. The US has previously accused Russia of violating its obligations under the Biological Weapons Convention.
