Russia downplays suspected plague case as US offers help

The Kremlin welcomed President Donald Trump's offer of U.S. assistance regarding a suspected plague case in Siberia, while downplaying his characterization of it as a major problem for Russia. Russian officials insisted the situation is under control and the dangerous diagnosis has not been confirmed. Deputy Mayor Elena Sofyina said local authorities can handle the pneumonia situation themselves, noting that Rospotrebnadzor and regional teams are following protocol. Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged Russia to share more information transparently, stating the U.S. is tracking the situation "hour by hour" but lacks sufficient details to speculate on the cause. The case involves a 28-year-old lab worker from an anti-plague institute who died of "pneumonia of an unknown cause." Russian authorities denied online rumors of strict restrictions, reporting only COVID-19 and rhinovirus among contacts. The CDC confirmed monitoring the situation, noting plague is treatable with antibiotics and rare in the U.S.