Russian President Vladimir Putin’s bodyguards reportedly carry a special “poop suitcase” during his international trips to prevent foreign intelligence agencies from learning about his health, according to The Express US. This unusual security measure was reportedly in place during the recent Alaska summit with U.S. President Donald Trump.

The suitcase is used to collect and store the Russian president’s human waste, including faeces, so that no samples can be taken by outside observers. The collection and transportation of this waste is managed by Putin’s Federal Protection Service (FPS), his elite security team responsible for protecting him during foreign visits. The practice is said to have been followed for several years and even dates back to his visit to France in May 2017.

Journalists have reported that this procedure was also followed during Putin’s visit to Vienna. He is known to have used a portable toilet, with all waste carefully collected and transported back to Russia. Sources say that Putin has been taking such precautions since he became the country’s leader in 1999. The aim is to protect sensitive information about his health from foreign powers who might analyse biological samples.

The reports come amid growing concerns and speculation about the health of the 72-year-old Russian president. Observers have noted unusual movements during public appearances, including twitching and jerking of his legs. For example, during a press conference in Astana, Kazakhstan, last November, Putin was seen jerking his legs. In another 2023 meeting with Belarusian President Alexandr Lukashenko, he appeared to twitch while sitting. Some medical experts, including Dr. Bob Berookhim, have suggested these movements could indicate a neurological disorder such as Parkinson’s disease.

These measures also follow years of rumours about his health. In 2022, a report circulated claiming that Putin had soiled himself following a fall, which the Kremlin dismissed as false. Despite the speculation, the Russian government has not officially confirmed any health issues.

The “poop suitcase” is just one of many extreme security measures taken to safeguard the president. Officials aim to prevent any outside attempts to gather information that could reveal medical details or vulnerabilities, highlighting the high level of caution surrounding Putin’s health and security.