MOSCOW, December 14. /TASS/. Russia is not closing imports of vaccines but the commission on import substitution endeavors to satisfy interests of citizens, President Vladimir Putin said at the combined Direct Line Q&A session and year-end press conference.

"As regards the exit of certain companies from our market - this is a problem. Truly, there are just fourteen essential drugs among these medicines. The industry is working proactively and we do not close any imports. A special commission on import substitution was created. It is working and assures me that they understand what is going on, do and will eventually complete everything in order to support interests of people that need certain pharmaceuticals," Putin noted.

"We will purchase through imports and will produce on our own, and the volume is growing," the President concluded.