Image Credit: The Guardian
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday said that Russia was the only country in the world to contribute to expanding the vaccine production by transferring its vaccine technology, according to a report by news agency PTI. Putin, in his interaction with the press also noted that the Russian vaccine Sputnik V was being used in 66 countries. Here are a few major points made by the Russian president:
Efficacy of Sputnik V:
Putin rejected all allegations and doubts over the efficacy of the Russian vaccine against Covid-19. “it is recognized by international experts, the vaccine is efficient, its efficacy is 97.6 per cent,” he said. He also accused critics of making such allegations for commercial reasons since the vaccine is being sold in 66 countries across the world. “Allegations are due to commercial reasons but we are following humanitarian reasons,” he added.
Origin of the pandemic:
With China being blamed for spreading the COVID-19 pandemic through a ‘lab leak’ at Wuhan lab, Putin asserted that the pandemic must not be politicized. He also said that the issue has been talked about too much and that he doesn’t have anything new to say.
The statement comes in the backdrop of US President Joe Biden asking his intelligence agencies to probe the origin of Covid-19 and report to him in 90 days.
The competitive struggle against Sputnik V:
Talking to various international news agencies, Vladimir Putin alleged that the registration of the Sputnik V vaccine was being delayed in Europe due to “competitive struggle” and “commercial interests.” “We are the only country in the world who is ready to transfer technology and is ready to expand our production abroad,” he said through a translator.
It may be noted that Sputnik V is already being produced by two pharmaceutical companies in India. Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories received approval for producing the vaccine in April this year after it conducted bridging trials. The vaccine is also being produced in the country by Panacea Biotec in collaboration with the Russian Sovereign Wealth Fund. The Serum Institute of India, already producing the Covishield vaccine, has also got preliminary approval from Indian regulators for the production of Sputnik V.