The creators of "Sputnik V" vaccine demand from EMA an apology for the words about "Russian roulette"

- We demand a public apology from Christa Virtumer-Hohe of the EMA for her negative comments about EU states directly endorsing Sputnik V. Her comments raise serious questions about possible political interference in the examination process. The EMA did not make such claims about any other vaccine. Such comments are inappropriate and undermine the credibility of the agency and the examination process itself, the is stated on the Twitter of vaccine creators.

The criticized words were spoken by Virtumer-Hohe during a live broadcast on the Austrian ORF TV channel. Referring to the alleged emergency approval of a Russian vaccine in Austria, following the example of how it was done in Hungary, she compared this opportunity to “Russian roulette”.

As a reminder, on March 4, EMA began the procedure for the sequential examination of the Russian drug. Experts gathered to assess the compliance of the vaccine with EU standards in terms of efficacy, safety and quality. However, some European countries have already approved the drug. Now Sputnik V is registered in Slovakia and Hungary.

In addition, Czech President Milos Zeman asked his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin to start delivering Sputnik V to the country.

Note that in mid-February, the Croatian authorities also admitted that they could buy Sputnik V from Russia before the vaccine is approved at the EU level.