Hungary to Receive First Samples of Sputnik V

Source: Sputnik V Official website

Russia’s Minister of Industry and Trade Denis Manturov announced on 13 November that Hungary will receive the first samples of Russia’s coronavirus vaccine Sputnik V later this month, Sputnik reported.

Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto announced on Friday that Hungarian experts will be allowed to visit production sites for Russia’s COVID-19 vaccine.

The senior official has confirmed that Budapest had received samples of the vaccine and corresponding documentation.

“As for the production technology, we are in talks on adopting the Russian technology and localizing production or some elements of production. This is a technological issue. Experts that are engaged in production of other vaccines in Hungary say it takes a long time, while we would like to have the vaccine already in December or January,” Szijjarto said at a press conference.

At the same time, Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko has said that the Hungarian experts are scheduled to visit the production site next week.

He added that Russia is ready to share the technology of producing the coronavirus vaccine with Hungary through the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF).

Earlier this month, Mr Szijjarto said that his country would start purchasing a Russian COVID-19 vaccine in December in small doses in order to complete clinical trials and licensing on its soil. The minister added that Budapest expects to receive more doses in January and possible launch domestic production of the vaccine.