Russian President Vladimir Putin will soon be commencing his India visit today. This is his first visit since the Ukraine invasion. The round of bilateral talks that is about to be initiated between India and Russia will aim at breakthroughs in the fields of armament, production, and oil purchases.
India seeks to manoeuvre a balancing act amid a tariff row, with the US breathing down India’s neck to retract any future trade partnerships. The meeting holds significant importance, and the security of the Russian president holds prime importance for Russian agencies. Putin’s security details are closely watched by the Federal Protective Service (FSO).
Every activity that Putin performs in a day is closely monitored and follows a rigorous protocol to ensure that his safety is impenetrable. The security details are stretched to the utmost extremes to ensure that every aspect of his protection is sacrosanct.
These extreme measures also point towards the numerous speculations surrounding Putin’s health. Amid the rumours and concerns, one that has transcended over the years is that of the “poop suitcase.”
Amid these claims, there is a possibility that Vladimir Putin carries a “poop suitcase” on all his international trips.
What is the poop suitcase and why is it needed?
The term “poop suitcase” grew popular after Vladimir Putin visited the Alaska Summit earlier this year. His security officials were reportedly spotted carrying a dedicated suitcase to collect his faecal waste.
As per reports, the waste is shipped back to Russia to ensure that his excreta is not tested by any foreign agencies to detect underlying health conditions. The internet traces back this practice to his international trips to France, Vienna, and Saudi Arabia, where it reportedly became a key highlight of Putin’s security detail.
What function does the poop suitcase perform?
Regarded as the “poop suitcase,” it is considered an integral part of the security convoy, as it ensures that no biological trace of the political leader is left behind.
When Joseph Stalin ordered a sample of Mao Zedong’s stool
In 1949, it was reported that Joseph Stalin had ordered a sample of Mao Zedong’s stool, while during the Cold War, British intelligence also claimed to have collected a sample of Mao’s stool. Beyond this, media reports have suggested that British intelligence agents analysed the toilet paper of Soviet soldiers.
The practice was first detailed in the French magazine Paris Match by journalists Regis Gente and Mikhail Rubin. The aim behind carrying the poop suitcase is to ensure that the health condition of the leader remains confidential. Security personnel collect his waste, pack it in sealed bags, and store it. These suitcases are then taken back to Moscow, where they are discarded.
Beyond this, there are also reports that Putin travels with a body double and that whatever he eats during visits is brought in sealed bags from Russia.
