Osaka Gov Hirofumi Yoshimura, front left, other officials and children stand in front of a Japan Airlines specially painted aircraft featuring Myaku-Myaku, the official mascot for the 2025 World Exposition in Osaka, at Osaka airport on Tuesday, to build momentum for the event. Russia said Tuesday it will withdraw from the World Exposition in Osaka planned for 2025. Last week, the Japanese government mentioned the possibility that Russia would not participate in the expo. "We would not assume Russia's participation in the Osaka-Kansai Expo if there will be no change in the current situation" surrounding the country's invasion of Ukraine, Hanako Jimi, the minister in charge of the expo, told reporters Friday. The Russian announcement came after Mexico and Estonia decided not to take part in the 2025 event in western Japan.

Source: Washington Post November 29, 2023 07:28 UTC