Russia's coronavirus vaccine could be used in the EU if it receives regulatory approval, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said.
"Every vaccine is welcome in the European Union," Merkel told German public broadcaster ARD, praising the "good data" related to Russia's Sputnik V product.
Merkel added that she spoke recently with Russian President Vladimir Putin about the vaccine, Deutsche Welle reported.
The Sputnik V vaccine was found to be over 91% effective against COVID-19, according to trial results that were published in medical journal The Lancet on Tuesday. Previously, Russia drew skepticism and criticism for releasing the vaccine to the general population before publishing the phase III trial data.
Merkel said Germany will have vaccinated 10 million people by the end of March, and held to her pledge of offering every resident a vaccine by the end of summer.
Merkel is due to hold talks with German state leaders on February 14 to discuss the country's lockdown measures. While the leaders will discuss potential reopening scenarios, Merkel warned about a potential resurgence of cases if restrictions are eased too quickly.