Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin issued a decree dissolving the organizing committee responsible for Russia’s participation in Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan. The order, published on the official regulatory site, states the removal of the committee dedicated to preparing the Russian exhibition and ensuring the federation’s involvement in the World Universal Exhibition Expo 2025.
According to the decree, the Expo is scheduled to take place in Osaka from April through October 2025. Moscow has not formally declared a decision to withdraw from participation, but the move signals a shift in how Russia approaches the event and its representation on the international stage.
Russia has a long history with world expositions, dating back to the early 19th century. The country has not hosted an Expo in recent memory, and Yekaterinburg was previously in contention to host Expo 2020, ultimately losing in the second round of voting when Dubai was selected. The 1970 Expo in Osaka stands as a notable milestone, while Nagoya hosted Expo 2005 in Japan, underscoring the country’s ongoing engagement with these global showcases.
Since 1851, Russia has been an active participant in the world exposition movement. The nation’s track record in pursuing Expo opportunities shows a consistent interest across decades, even as specific bids have shifted with changing international dynamics. In 2013, Ekaterinburg submitted a bid to host Expo 2020, but the final decision favored Dubai after a competitive process.
Analysts note that Russia faced challenges in the Expo 2025 competition, a point highlighted by observers familiar with the bid dynamics. The recent administrative decision to dissolve the organizing structure adds another layer to the evolving stance on global exhibitions and how Russia plans its cultural and economic outreach on the world stage.
In summary, the action marks a significant reorientation in Russia’s approach to Expo participation, reflecting broader strategic considerations in how the country presents its cultural and economic ambitions to an international audience. The Osaka Expo storyline continues to unfold, with all involved parties watching closely for developments and official announcements regarding Russia’s future participation status.