Russia has signed an agreement with the United Nations children's fund (UNICEF) for the supply of 220 million doses of the two-dose Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine, the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) said on Thursday.

The agency said the supply agreement will broaden access to the life-saving jabs around the world.

"Procurement and delivery of the vaccine by UNICEF is subject to the vaccine receiving WHO Emergency Use Listing," said RDIF. "The decision is expected soon on the Sputnik V application for WHO Emergency Use Listing that was submitted in October 2020."

The Sputnik V has already received approval for emergency use in more than 40 countries, and Russia hopes the vaccine will be approved in more states.

"RDIF is proud to support UNICEF and its partners' global efforts to ensure equal and wide access to coronavirus vaccines for all countries. Vaccination is the best way to defeat the pandemic, help people feel safe, restore economies and return to normal life," said Kirill Dmitriev, RDIF CEO.

The agency also noted that it would hold talks with the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI) to discuss the possibility of including Sputnik V in the COVAX portfolio of coronavirus vaccines.