Sputnik V Vaccine Gives Russia a Whopping Soft-Power Boost
After the 2018 Fifa World Cup, Russia has found a new way to promote the country. Alexander AVilov / Moskva News Agency
Russia’s Sputnik V vaccine against Covid-19 has become world famous. Dozens of states are considering using it while such major countries as India, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina and Uzbekistan have pre-ordered many millions of doses.
Leading international medical journals have published studies on the vaccine’s efficacy that, after being administered to more than two million Russians, seems to be on a par with the initial results from Western vaccines.
Although scientists will repeatedly reevaluate Sputnik’s efficacy as data accumulates, the vaccine has already boosted Russians’ immunity at home as well as the country’s image abroad. This despite the Kremlin’s PR efforts that have been more harmful than helpful.