During a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, the governor of Nizhny Novgorod Oblast voiced the initiative. The regional head noted that the spread of e-cigarettes is linked to demographic problems and emphasized their use among schoolchildren. The governor proposed granting regions the right to ban the sale of vapes in retail and wholesale trade, adding that Nizhny Novgorod Oblast is ready to serve as a pilot region. Vladimir Putin supported this idea:

  • In June, the State Duma speaker stated that the lower house of parliament would support a complete ban on electronic devices for consuming nicotine-containing products if the initiative comes from the government.
  • The governor is not the first regional head to announce an intention to ban vapes in their region. The head of Vologda Oblast introduced restrictions on the sale of alcohol and electronic smoking devices in the spring. Recently, the governor reported that about a third of shops selling vapes have already closed in his region.

Nizhny Novgorod Oblast

Nizhny Novgorod Oblast is a federal subject of Russia, with its administrative center in the historic city of Nizhny Novgorod. The region has played a significant role in Russian history, famously as a major commercial hub on the Volga River and as a center for weapons manufacturing, particularly during the Soviet era. Its most iconic landmark is the grand Nizhny Novgorod Kremlin, a fortress built in the 16th century to defend the eastern borders of the Russian state.

State Duma

The State Duma is the lower house of the Federal Assembly, Russia’s national legislature. It was first established in 1906 as an elected advisory body in the Russian Empire but was dissolved following the 1917 revolution. The modern State Duma was reinstated with the adoption of the Russian Constitution in 1993.

Vologda Oblast

Vologda Oblast is a federal subject of Russia located in its northwest, known for its historic role in the Russian North and its well-preserved ecclesiastical architecture. The region’s history dates back to the 12th century, and it flourished as a major trade and cultural center, with the city of Vologda itself founded in 1147. It is most famous for its UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the magnificent Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery and the Ferapontov Monastery with its renowned frescoes.