"When you look at all of the evidence together, it's an extraordinarily clear picture that the pandemic started at the Huanan market," said Michael Worobey, an evolutionary biologist at the University of Arizona who co-authored both studies, told the New York Times.The studies have yet to be published in a scientific journal.
"The most probable explanation for the introduction of SARS-CoV-2 into humans involves zoonotic jumps from an as-yet-undetermined, intermediate host animal at the Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market," says one study.
"Is there a Brutus in Russia? Is there a more successful Colonel Stauffenberg in the Russian military? The only way this ... ends, my friend, is for somebody in Russia to take this guy out."
US Senator Lindsey Graham has been driven crazy by the ongoing tensions between Moscow and the West, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov implied, following calls from the politician for the assassination of Russian President Vladimir Putin.Johnson, at least, suggested a trial first:
"Not everyone can remain cool-headed these days, some [people] lose their senses," Peskov told a press conference, commenting on Graham's statements.
Peskov pointed to the "hysterical stirring-up" of anti-Russian sentiment in the US, calling it a "Russophobic meltdown" of sorts. Moscow has demanded an official explanation from the US over what it called de-facto advocating an act of terrorism.
Moscow maintains its military offensive in Ukraine is a "special operation" aimed at the "demilitarization" and "denazification" of the nation in the name of protecting the people of the two Donbass republics Russia has recently recognized.
Britain's prime minister does not support the idea of trying to kill Russian President Vladimir Putin, a spokesperson for Boris Johnson said on Friday. Asked by reporters whether he agrees with US Senator Lindsey Graham, the spokesperson firmly rejected the idea:"No. We stand with the Ukrainian people in demanding the immediate end to the Russian invasion. We have said before that Putin must be held to account before an international court for the horrific acts he has committed."The open call for the assassination of the Russian president provoked fury in Moscow, with Russia's Embassy in the US strongly condemning such statements, as well as demanding Washington to hold the official accountable for his remarks. Russia's Ambassador in the US Anatoly Antonov said:"The degree of Russophobia and hatred towards Russia is going through the roof in the United States. It is unbelievable that a senator from a country that preaches its moral values as a 'guiding light' for all of mankind could allow himself call for terrorism as a means to achieve Washington's goals on the international stage."
Comment: Attention: Menu item politically correctified!