MOSCOW Russia on Tuesday became the first country to clear a coronavirus vaccine and declare it ready for use, despite international skepticism. Putin emphasized that the vaccine underwent the necessary tests and has proven efficient, offering a lasting immunity from the coronavirus. Speaking at a government meeting Tuesday, Putin said that the vaccine has undergone proper testing and is safe. When the pandemic struck Russia, Putin ordered state officials to shorten the time of clinical trials for potential coronavirus vaccines. Half were injected with a vaccine in liquid form and the other half with a vaccine that came as soluble powder.