The European Union has promised to help Ukraine obtain coronavirus vaccines as soon as possible, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's office said on Thursday evening.
Zelensky received assurances of support in a letter from European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Charles Michel, Zelensky's office said in a statement.
"It is emphasized that Ukraine can count on the solidarity of the European Union in obtaining a vaccine against coronavirus. The EU is taking steps to ensure Ukraine's access to vaccines as soon as possible," the statement informs.
The first batches of Covid-19 vaccine under the COVAX scheme could arrive in Ukraine in the first half of February.
As we reported, the World Bank is going to support Ukraine by providing it with almost 2.5 billion hryvnias (88,5 million dollars) for the purchase of coronavirus vaccines.
“Ukraine will receive additional funds for the purchase of coronavirus vaccines. Such assistance is provided by the World Bank. Almost 2.5 billion hryvnias (88,5 million dollars) are about to be allocated under the new project 'Emergency Response to Covid-19 and Vaccination in Ukraine.' Relevant negotiations have been underway between the World Bank's Board of Executive Directors and the Ukrainian Government since December 2020. The implemented vaccination strategy will be taken into account as part of the project's preparation," Deputy Minister of Health Svitlana Shatalova said.
