Full Vape Prohibition Gains Putin’s Support in Russia
Russian President Vladimir Putin has endorsed a proposal allowing regional governments to impose a full ban on the sale and distribution of e-cigarettes. The suggestion was put forward by Gleb Nikitin, governor of the Nizhny Novgorod region, who expressed his willingness for the region to serve as a pilot for the initiative.
Speaking during a meeting in Sarov, Nikitin highlighted the rising prevalence of vaping among children and called for regions to be empowered to completely prohibit retail and wholesale trade of such products. Putin responded immediately, saying, “Consider this approved right away. It’s a good proposal.”
The president’s support echoes recent appeals from other senior officials, including Industry and Trade Minister Anton Alikhanov, who has urged a “total ban,” arguing that age restrictions have failed to curb youth use. Putin himself has previously warned that while vaping may appear trendy among young people, it poses significant health risks, including potential harm to the immune system and future fertility. In parallel, the government has expanded its mandatory product labeling system to cover e-cigarettes and heated tobacco devices.
