Sputnik V: Russia May Start Export of Its COVID-19 Vaccine in Spring 2021, Minister Says

Last week, Russia became the first country in the world to register a COVID-19 vaccine, which was dubbed Sputnik V. The vaccine was developed by the Gamaleya Institute and is currently undergoing phase III trials.

The export of the Russian vaccine against the coronavirus may begin in spring 2021, after its production in Russia picks up pace, Industry and Trade Minister Denis Manturov told reporters on Friday.

"In all fairness, this is probably the spring of next year, if we talk about exports, this is when we have already reached a decent production volume in our country", Manturov said.

According to Manturov, deliveries will begin as the volume of vaccine production in Russia increases and as Russian institutes, in particular, Gamaleya, interact with foreign colleagues.

According to Manturov, deliveries will begin after the volume of vaccine production in Russia has increased and after Russian institutes, in particular, Gamaleya, have interacted with their foreign colleagues.

"You need to go through a cycle of approbations in order to make a decision. Someone is ready to purchase it today, but we are not ready, because we need to fulfil our own tasks", Manturov explained.

The world’s first COVID-19 vaccine, named Sputnik V, was registered in Russia on 11 August. Although some Western countries have expressed reservations about the vaccine's safety, as it has yet to pass phase III of clinical trials, the Russian Health Ministry has said that Sputnik V underwent all the necessary checks and was proven to be capable of building immunity against the virus.