KYIV, Jan 21 – Ukraine, which has been trying to secure supplies of Chinese-made coronavirus vaccine after its clinical trials are over, may soon be able to get supplies of vaccine from the European Union, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said Thursday.

Zelenskiy received assurances of support in a letter from European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Charles Michel, Zelenskiy'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 said.

Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said that Ukraine will eb able to get first batches of coronavirus vaccine in early February under COVAX initiative.

"We are participants in the global COVAX initiative, and also appealed to all our partners about the need to supply the first batches of vaccine as soon as possible. Now, I can say that these negotiations have yielded results - Ukraine will have a vaccine no later than February," Shmyhal said.

Ukraine has registered around 1.2 million coronavirus cases and 21,499 deaths.

Ukraine said last week that it would get its money back if Chinese vaccine produced by Sinovac Biotech shows efficacy rate of less than 70%. Health Minister Maksym Stepanov said the Chinese vaccine is currently tested in Brazil and shows the efficacy rate of slightly more than 50%.

Ukraine several months ago signed contract with Sinovac Biotech for the supply of 1.9 million doses of vaccine.

“We laid down in the contract that the effectiveness of product at the time of delivery must be at least 70%," Stepanov said. "If the company does not meet these standards, it will reimburse the public funds in full. That is, we have a bank guarantee."

Some 13 member states of the European Union have written to the European Commission on January 6 with a request to be more active in providing assistance to the Eastern Partnership countries, including Ukraine, to receive a vaccine against coronavirus (COVID-19). (eb/ez)