Russia approves coronavirus vaccine 'Sputnik V'

Russia has developed the first vaccine 'Sputnik V' offering “sustainable immunity” against the coronavirus, President Vladimir Putin announced.

“This morning, for the first time in the world, a vaccine against the new coronavirus was registered,” he said during a televised video conference call with government ministers.

Putin emphasised that the 'Sputnik V' vaccine underwent the necessary tests and has proven efficient, offering a lasting immunity from the coronavirus. He further called it "a very important step for the world."

The vaccine was developed by Moscow’s Gamaleya Institute and had less than two months of human testing.

One of Putin’s daughters has reportedly already been vaccinated with 'Sputnik V', despite clinical trials still continuing.

Mass production is expected to start in September and mass vaccination in October.