Kremlin denounces accusations of expanding international influence via vaccines

MOSCOW, March 26 (Xinhua) -- The Kremlin on Friday criticized Western claims that Russia and China use COVID-19 vaccines to expand their international influence.

Photo taken on Dec. 2, 2020 shows the Saint Basil's Cathedral and the Kremlin in Moscow, capital of Russia. (Xinhua/Bai Xueqi)

"We strongly disagree that both Russia and China are waging some kind of a (vaccine) war and are using the coronavirus pandemic and vaccine issues as an instrument of influence," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.

He said that Russia has proven to be a "responsible member of the international community," evident in its early development of COVID-19 vaccines and efforts to boost vaccine production to benefit its own population and the world.

Russia has never aspired to politicize its vaccines and never will, Peskov added.