Often the first guy to invent something is the guy who gets control of it in the world. That's what patents are all about.
Who cares if the vaccine is dangerous or not. We had it first, so we get the big prize. If we don't get the prize, oh well. It was a gamble, and we might lose a little.
But if we win, it will be worth billions.
You have a point it's a big gamble for the Russian government and their scientist as well, they will either lose their reputation or recognized as the first to create an effective vaccine our country is collaborating with the Russian government, Russian has no bad reputation when it comes to medicine breakthrough, this is something that might get government to believe them, I hope their vaccine is really effective.