Collectible Labubu dolls, customized with the faces of prominent Russian politicians, have become a point of interest at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF). The toys were displayed at the Moscow Region stand, which hosted the 360 TV channel’s platform during the event’s opening day on June 18, 2025.
The unique series features portraits of key figures such as diplomat Maria Zakharova, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, Central Bank Head Elvira Nabiullina, former President Dmitry Medvedev, and Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova. An artist from the Moscow Region hand-painted the likenesses onto the popular toy figures.
Labubu toys, created by Hong Kong designer Kasing Lung, have seen a surge in popularity in Russia, particularly within bohemian circles in the spring of 2025. The 360 TV channel employee explained the reasoning behind the customized dolls: “We wanted to make a customized series of toys, specifically for the St. Petersburg Economic Forum… We wanted to combine a modern trend with the faces of our federal politicians.”
The toys were specifically created for SPIEF and are not available elsewhere. According to representatives from the TV channel, authentic Labubu dolls were purchased and then painted with the political figures.
Some speakers and journalists attending SPIEF have received the customized toys. For example, RT journalist and blogger Konstantin Pridybailo received a Labubu doll with Maria Zakharova’s face.
Additionally, the channel released a series of collectible comic bills for SPIEF, featuring names like “Zakharik”, “Mishuster” and “Shadaevsky”.
The XXVIII St. Petersburg International Economic Forum is scheduled to take place from June 18–21, 2025. The forum’s central theme this year is “Shared Values as the Basis for Growth in a Multipolar World.” Approximately 20,000 representatives from 140 countries and territories are expected to participate in SPIEF-2025. A plenary session with Russian President Vladimir Putin will be held on June 20.