Putin-Ordered National Exposition Opens in Russia Ahead of Presidential Elections

Exposition set to celebrate national achievements appears to double as a patriotic platform ahead of Putin's potential election bid seeking to extend his rule till 2030.

The national exposition was launched in Russia on the decree of President Vladimir Putin, serving as a celebration of the country's accomplishments while simultaneously fostering patriotism in the lead-up to the presidential elections scheduled for March.
Although Putin, who has been Russia's president or prime minister since 2000, was expected to announce his candidacy for the upcoming election at the event, the president's spokesman clarified that he would not be attending the event.
The exposition is set up at VDNKh, known for its Soviet Gothic-style pavilions, and aims to rekindle Russians’ nostalgia for the Soviet era—the event mirrors Putin's aspiration to reestablish Russia as a global superpower.
Through the exposition, Russia intends to present the image of a culturally diverse nation unified by a common sense of purpose; it includes exhibits from all of Russia's regions, including the Luhansk and Donetsk regions of Ukraine, that Russia claims to have annexed.
The exposition also emphasizes the concept of Russia being involved in a civilizational conflict and offers a counter-narrative to the West—this perspective seeks to reinforce national sovereignty, mutual respect, equal partnership, and the preservation of traditional family and religious values.