Kremlin-backed news outlets RT and Sputnik have become flashpoints for social media companies that are under pressure to curb the spread of Russian propaganda and disinformation.

Facebook, Google, Apple and Microsoft are taking steps to curb Russian propaganda, but they don't want to be kicked out of the country and limit Russians' access to their platforms.

The findings stand to add legitimacy to the Sputnik vaccine, which was met with skepticism last August when the Russian government touted its move to formally register the world's first vaccine.

The nation has been hard hit by the pandemic. The president vowed to start a vaccination campaign by the end of 2020. That did happen — but not exactly as they'd hoped.