Germany is about to start bilateral negotiations with Russia to acquire its Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine, a source told Reuters on Wednesday. .
The European Commission told EU health ministers on Wednesday that Brussels does not intend to start a preliminary contract with Russia over Sputnik V as with other vaccine providers, a person with knowledge of this told Reuters on condition of anonymity. .
Therefore, German Health Minister Jens Spahn announced during the virtual meeting that Germany would begin preliminary negotiations with Russia on a bilateral agreement to secure the vaccine, the source added.
In the preliminary talks, Germany first wants to determine what quantities Russia can supply and when, the source said.
In any case, Germany will only buy the Russian vaccine once it has been approved by the EMA, and for that it is of the utmost importance that Russia provides the necessary data, the source added.
The Bavarian prime minister said earlier on Wednesday that the German region would buy 2.5 million doses of Sputnik vaccine if it was approved by the EMA.
Markus Soeder, prime minister of the wealthy southern German state, said the purchase would take place in July.
Reported by Andreas Rinke; Writing by Michael Nienaber; Edited by Paul Carrel and Kirsti Knolle