In Photos: 'Russia' Expo Trumpets Military Power, National Unity
The massive "Russia" International Exhibition Forum opened Saturday at Moscow's VDNKh exposition center.
The show, decreed by President Vladimir Putin in March, has been described by some observers as part of the ideological framework for his re-election, which is expected next March.
Reports in Russian media last month said Putin plans to use the forum as the setting for announcing that he will run for a fifth presidential term.
A message by Putin for the event opening set the tone of the exhibit:
"Any provocations and aggressive actions directed against Russia are doomed to failure. Because we are a single people, bound by a common history, fraternal bonds of friendship and mutual understanding."
Here are some photos from the event so far:
The show, decreed by President Vladimir Putin in March, has been described by some observers as part of the ideological framework for his re-election, which is expected next March.
Reports in Russian media last month said Putin plans to use the forum as the setting for announcing that he will run for a fifth presidential term.
A message by Putin for the event opening set the tone of the exhibit:
"Any provocations and aggressive actions directed against Russia are doomed to failure. Because we are a single people, bound by a common history, fraternal bonds of friendship and mutual understanding."
Here are some photos from the event so far:

Attendees at the opening of the Russia International Exhibition Forum at VDNKh.
Artur Novosiltsev / Moskva News Agency

A statue at an exhibition highlighting Russia's various ethnic and cultural groups.
The expo presents Russia as a country of diverse peoples unified by a sense of national purpose, including displays from all Russian regions and the Russian-annexed Luhansk and Donetsk regions of Ukraine. There are also exhibits on industry, technology, and education.
The expo presents Russia as a country of diverse peoples unified by a sense of national purpose, including displays from all Russian regions and the Russian-annexed Luhansk and Donetsk regions of Ukraine. There are also exhibits on industry, technology, and education.
Vasily Kuzmichenok / Moskva News Agency

A replica of the Tsar Bomba, the largest nuclear weapon ever tested, in the Atom Pavilion.
Vasily Kuzmichenok / Moskva News Agency

Exhibition participants display national costumes and foods.
Vasily Kuzmichenok / Moskva News Agency

Visitors interact with an exhibition display.
Vasily Kuzmichenok / Moskva News Agency

An exhibit at the show.
Vasily Kuzmichenok / Moskva News Agency

The "Towards Dreams" exhibit in the Atom Pavilion.
Maxim Mishin, Press Service of the Mayor and Government of Moscow / Moskva News Agency

A technology exhibit in the Atom Pavilion.
Maxim Mishin, Press Service of the Mayor and Government of Moscow / Moskva News Agency

The entrance to the exhibition.
Vasily Kuzmichenok / Moskva News Agency

Exhibition volunteers take a break.
Vasily Kuzmichenok / Moskva News Agency

An exposition in the Atom Pavilion.
Vasily Kuzmichenok / Moskva News Agency

A pair of visitors have a romantic moment in front of a heart covered in letters making up the word "Russia."
Vasily Kuzmichenok / Moskva News Agency