Russia reportedly ships first batch of its COVID-19 vaccine to occupied Donbas

Occupied Donetsk has received the Russian-made COVID-19 vaccine / REUTERS

The first batch of the Russian Sputnik V vaccine against COVID-19 has reportedly arrived in the Russia-occupied city of Donetsk.

This was announced by the occupying administration, according to the Ukrainian media outlet Novosti Donbassa, which quoted the media controlled by the self-proclaimed "Donetsk People's Republic" ("DPR").

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"DPR leader" Denis Pushilin said, in particular, that several thousand doses had been delivered. He said he expected shipments on a regular basis.

Healthcare, education and "security" workers will get vaccinated first.

In particular, the vaccine will be distributed among 32 hospitals and other healthcare institutions.

Russia's Sputnik V vaccine

• In August 2020, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Russia was the first in the world to register a coronavirus vaccine, Sputnik V. Putin also claimed that one of his daughters had been vaccinated with the vaccine.
• Moscow has not provided the international scientific community with any data on vaccine trials confirming that it is safe and effective against COVID-19. Phase 3 clinical trials of the vaccine had not been conducted prior to registration. Yet, the Russian side claims the effectiveness of the vaccine is 92%.
• In January 2021, Putin launched a mass vaccination campaign in Russia.