Russian President Vladimir Putin has always been surrounded by mystery, but one of the most bizarre revelations about his security measures continues to fascinate the world. Multiple reports suggest that whenever Putin travels outside Russia, his personal bodyguards are tasked with collecting all his urine and feces, sealing them carefully, and transporting them back to Moscow. This unusual routine, often referred to as the “poop suitcase protocol,” is said to be one of the Kremlin’s strangest yet most secretive operations.

The reason behind this extraordinary practice is rooted in intelligence and espionage concerns. Human biological waste is more than just waste it can provide a treasure trove of information. Medical experts note that samples of urine or feces can reveal a person’s current state of health, possible illnesses, medications being taken, and even genetic vulnerabilities. For a world leader like Putin, whose health has long been a subject of speculation, allowing foreign intelligence agencies access to such data could be considered a major national security threat.

Investigative journalists claim that this practice has been in place for decades. Sources trace it as far back as 1999, the year Putin became a central figure in Russian politics. It has reportedly been observed during several of his official trips, including his 2017 visit to France and his 2019 state visit to Saudi Arabia. The procedure gained renewed global attention during his 2025 summit in Alaska with former U.S. President Donald Trump, where eyewitness accounts described Putin’s security team carrying a special suitcase believed to contain sealed packets of his excrement and urine for transportation back to Russia.

This extreme level of secrecy may sound unusual, but it is not without precedent in the world of intelligence. During the Cold War, both Western and Soviet agencies reportedly went to great lengths to obtain biological material from adversaries. Even something as small as a used tissue or soiled toilet paper could be analyzed for valuable insights. Historical accounts claim that Joseph Stalin once ordered Soviet operatives to examine Mao Zedong’s excrement to learn more about his health and psychological state.

For the Kremlin, protecting Putin’s image and health status has always been a top priority. Rumors about the Russian leader’s health from cancer to Parkinson’s disease frequently make headlines, but the government has consistently dismissed such claims. By ensuring that no trace of his biological material is left behind during foreign trips, Putin maintains an aura of control and mystery.

Public reaction to these reports has been a mix of disbelief, humor, and concern. On social media platforms, users often mock the so-called “poop suitcase,” with some joking that Putin takes secrecy to a whole new level. Yet others argue that the story highlights just how seriously Russia treats matters of state security, even when they seem odd to the outside world.

Whether seen as paranoia, strategic intelligence, or simple caution, the idea that Putin’s bodyguards carry his waste across international borders shows the extraordinary measures taken to protect not only his life but also his image. In geopolitics, even something as basic as human waste becomes a matter of power, secrecy, and control.