Gleb Nikitin: "Vapes should disappear from the shelves"

      On June 9, 2026, at 18:19, Society Governor of the Nizhny Novgorod Region Gleb Nikitin stated that vapes should disappear from store shelves as soon as the necessary legal grounds for this emerge. He commented on the State Duma's adoption of amendments in the second and third readings, which allow regions to independently impose a ban on the sale of vapes and liquids for them. According to Nikitin, the Nizhny Novgorod Region has long advocated for such a decision at the federal level.

      "We initially initiated and lobbied for it. It hurts to see our kids getting hooked on this 'needle,' especially at a young age," the governor noted.

      He reminded that the decision to prohibit the sale of vapes in the region was made a long time ago, and in May, the corresponding provisions were enshrined in regional legislation.

      "Vapes should disappear from the shelves on the very first day it becomes possible," emphasized the head of the region.

      In August 2025, Gleb Nikitin raised the issue of restricting the sale of vapes during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Sarov. At that time, the head of state supported the initiative, noting that he considers it timely and important for protecting the health of young people. Efforts to combat the spread of vapes among youth have been underway in the Nizhny Novgorod Region since the spring of this year. The region has intensified inspections of retail outlets selling tobacco and nicotine-containing products, paying special attention to establishments located near educational institutions, where such sales are prohibited. Vapes have already been removed from more than 600 retail outlets.

      In addition, a chatbot called "Anti-Vape" operates in the MAX messenger for receiving residents' reports. Through it, one can report instances of retail sales of vapes near educational organizations. As previously reported, promoting a healthy lifestyle and reducing the prevalence of smoking are among the tasks of the national project "Sustained and Active Life." NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" has channels on Telegram and MAX. Subscribe to stay updated on major events, exclusive materials, and timely information. Copyright © 1999—2025 NIA "Nizhny Novgorod." When reprinting, a hyperlink to NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" is mandatory. This resource may contain materials 18+.