Ukraine has said what it really thinks about the Russian vaccine: it can hysteria

“A political force caused some hysteria over the registration of the Russian vaccine. I can say at once that hysteria is possible for a long time, but no one will register the Russian vaccine in the country,” the minister said at a press conference, probably referring to the statements of the pro-Russian “Opposition” party. Platform for life ”(OPZ®).

He also asked politicians not to listen to statements about the alleged collapse of the COVID-19 vaccination campaign.

“Representatives of one of the political forces have stated that the chances of starting vaccination on time are slim. I want to tell you that this is all just another loud announcement. Once again, vaccination in the country will start on time. In September last year, we said that we would start vaccinating in February 2021. That will be the case, ”said M. Stepanov.

Previously, the Minister announced that almost 367.5 thousand people will be vaccinated against COVID-19 during the first phase of vaccination, which will begin in February. persons.

Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has previously said that he opposes the use of a Russian vaccine due to a propaganda factor.

“As a member of the government, I am against such a decision. Russia does not care about the health of Ukrainians, it cares to impose its seals of propaganda and ideology through the introduction of the vaccine,” said the head of Ukrainian diplomacy. to air on television 1 + 1 on January 12.

He said that the mere fact that such a debate is taking place is already a sign of the hybrid debate imposed on Ukraine on the vaccine.

“I want to make it clear that Sputnik V’s propaganda potential far exceeds its actual potential and effectiveness,” Kuleba added.

According to him, the final results of the Russian vaccine research are not available and this is a medical indicator.

“From Russia’s point of view, there is a factor that is much more important than medicine: it is a propaganda factor. As a result, we remember the story that” everyone has turned away from you, you cannot do anything, and we We, the fraternal nation, we are always there and ready to help, “Kuleba said.

In August, a few months before its Western rivals, Russia registered the world’s first vaccine against the Sputnik V coronavirus, named after the first artificial ground satellite launched by the Soviet Union.

However, the country has taken that step before launching large-scale clinical trials. For this reason, Western experts and some Russians have raised concerns about the urgency of developing the drug, and critics have described it as a means of increasing Russia’s geopolitical influence.