MOSCOW - Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday signaled support for the idea of introducing a complete ban on the sale of vapes across the country, RIA Novosti news agency reported.

It is essential not only to make such a decision but also to conduct educational outreach among the youth, Putin said during a visit to a demonstration and educational center for adaptive sports in Samara.

The proposal for a full prohibition of vapes was put forward by Ekaterina Leshchinskaya, head of the All-Russian public movement "Healthy Fatherland," who cited successful examples from neighboring countries and other parts of the world.

In response, the president nodded in agreement and confirmed that the government also supported the initiative.

The Russian State Duma plans to prepare a bill for a complete ban on vapes throughout Russia during its autumn session, Deputy Speaker Sholban Kara-ool told RIA Novosti.