MOSCOW, June 30. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin remains opposed to introducing compulsory vaccination against COVID-19, he said on Wednesday during his annual Q&A session known as the Direct Line.

"I said once as you remember that I don’t support compulsory vaccination. And I continue to adhere to the same point of view, " Putin stressed, answering a question whether vaccination against COVID-19 should be voluntary.

Russia launched mass vaccination of citizens above 18 years of age on January 18. Four Russian vaccines against COVID-19 have been registered in the country now. The most widespread drug is Sputnik V developed by the Gamaleya Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology.

In Russia, vaccination against coronavirus is voluntary. Compulsory jabs are required only in some regions and for certain groups of citizens, including staff of the services sector.