A post shared on Facebook purports Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the destruction of all COVID-19 vaccines in Russia.

Verdict: False

The claim stems from a satirical website. There is no evidence supporting the claim.

Fact Check:

Putin has allegedly purchased multiple properties for his 39-year-old girlfriend, Alina Kabaeva, using millions in illicit funds, according to an investigation conducted by a Russian opposition website, The Independent reported. Putin is believed to secretly be living in a golden palace he shares with Kabaeva, who is a gymnast, The Telegraph reported.

The Facebook post purports Putin has allegedly ordered the destruction of all COVID-19 vaccines in Russia. The post suggests Putin’s order follows a supposed surge in vaccinated individuals developing HIV infection, as reported by the Russian Ministry of Health in December 2022, with his daughter reportedly being infected.

The claim is false. There are no credible news reports suggesting Putin has ordered the destruction of all COVID-19 vaccines in Russia. Likewise, the claim neither appears on the Kremlin’s website nor its verified Twitter account. In addition, the Russian Ministry of Health has not publicly addressed the claim via its official website.

A keyword search reveals the claim stems from a Mar. 4 article published on the website, “Real Raw News.” A disclaimer included on the site’s “About Us” indicates it contains “humor, parody,” and satire.” (RELATED: Does This Video Show A Drone Strike On Russian Troops?)

Check Your Fact has contacted the Kremlin for comment and will update this piece accordingly if one is received.

This is not the first time a satirical claim has been promoted as true online. Check Your Fact previously debunked a social media post purporting the U.S. Navy Judge Advocate General’s (JAG) Corps investigators arrested vaccine scientist Richard Tillyer on charges of “accessory to mass murder and negligent homicide.”