Russian envoy assures arrival of Sputnik V vaccines

A senior Russian diplomat gave assurance to the Philippines of the arrival of 15,000 doses of Sputnik V vaccines against COVID-19 on Wednesday, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Tuesday said. The DFA said Igor Morgulov, Russian deputy foreign minister, confirmed the arrival of the vaccines during an online meeting on April 23 with Elizabeth Buensuceso, the acting foreign undersecretary, at the 12th Political Consultations between Russia and the Philippines. It said the arrival of the Russian-made Sputnik V vaccines were earlier discussed by President Duterte in his telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin on April 13.

—Marlon Ramos