Myanmar's junta leader says Russia had agreed to supply two million doses of coronavirus vaccine from this month, as Myanmar reports a record in COVID-19 cases and deaths, according to Reuters.

Min Aung Hlaing, who led the 1 February coup against Aung San Suu Kyi's elected government, said the virus was spreading fast in Myanmar and that senior Russian defence officials had told him that help with vaccines would be provided.

The leader said he had told them he wanted 2 million doses, and that they would provide it, speaking on army-owned Myawaddy television.

Myanmar reported 4,320 cases on Friday, a record for a second successive day, and 63 deaths.

It is unclear whether these cases involve people with COVID-19 or merely people who have tested positive for the virus, an important distinction. In tests, many appear positive but do not actually have the virus.

Min Aung Hlaing recently paid a visit to Russia.