Ukraine Begins COVID-19 Vaccinations with Chinese Vaccines Instead of Russian Ones

[Asia Economy Reporter Kiho Sung] Ukraine has reportedly started administering the Chinese-made 'Sinovac' vaccine. Ukraine had previously refused to introduce the Russian-made COVID-19 vaccine due to serious conflicts with Russia.

According to local media, on the 13th (local time), the Ukrainian Ministry of Health announced that vaccinations using the COVID-19 vaccine developed by China's Sinovac have begun, stating, "We plan to prioritize vaccinations for people with mobility difficulties, physically disabled individuals, and care workers." They also added that teachers, participants in the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics this July, and traffic police will be among the priority groups for vaccination.

Health Minister Maksym Stepanov stated, "215,000 doses (single-dose units) of the Sinovac vaccine have already been supplied to Ukraine, and the remaining 1.7 million doses will be supplied either this month or next month."

Ukraine has a policy of not introducing vaccines developed by Russia, which is involved in serious conflicts such as the annexation of the Crimean Peninsula.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky previously rejected the Russian-made 'Sputnik V' vaccine, citing that its efficacy had not been proven, and asserted, "The Ukrainian people are not guinea pigs."