Toys themed on Labubu, a popular furry doll from Chinese toy company Pop Mart, are pictured during the opening ceremoy of a new offline store of Pop Mart in Bangkok, Thailand, July 5, 2024. (File photo: Xinhua)

During his visit to China, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov drew attention to the absence of the popular toy Labubu at the residence of Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing and asked, "Where is Labubu?" Russian local media Izvestia reported on Monday, citing a video released by Russia-1 TV channel journalist Pavel Zarubin.

The video was posted on Monday by Pavel Zarubin on his Telegram channel. He titled the video "Minister and Labubu".

In the footage, members of the Russian delegation examine thefigurines thatdecorated the residence."Where is Labubu?" asked the minister. Later, Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanoy demonstrated what Labubu looks like on site, according to the video footage.

Labubu has become a global sensation, as the cute plush toy evokes emotion and aspiration across cultures and generations. 

According to the Xinhua News Agency, Pop Mart, the Beijing-based toymaker behind Labubu and other original-IP characters, is among those leading the shift. Propelled by international hype, the company registered year-on-year revenue growth of 165 to 170 percent in the first quarter of 2025, with overseas revenues soaring 475 to 480 percent.

Global Times