ALMATY, Kazakhstan -- As Kazakhstan kicks off its coronavirus inoculation program with Russia's Sputnik V shot and Turkmenistan prepares to start a similar campaign, Russia is pulling ahead of China in the battle to win Central Asian hearts and minds through vaccine diplomacy.
Coronavirus
Russia pulls ahead of China in Central Asia vaccine diplomacy
Sputnik V gains traction as working with Beijing grows politically awkward
Vials of the Sputnik V vaccine, officially called Gam-COVID-Vac, are seen on a production line in Saint Petersburg, Russia. © Reuters
Read Next
Latest on Coronavirus
