A photograph showing Vladimir Putin appearing notably short beside Mozambique's president, Daniel Chapo, has been made public, despite an apparent Kremlin decision not to release it. The image was taken as Putin welcomed Chapo in Moscow, but the Kremlin opted against issuing it. Getty Images published the photo, and Chapo also shared it himself.
Height contrast between leaders
Putin, who stands just under 5ft 7in, is known to be sensitive about his height and regularly wears elevated platform shoes. Chapo is believed to be at least 6ft 5in tall, with some reports suggesting he is even taller. Kremlin photographers were present at the meeting, yet the unflattering image was reportedly suppressed.
An alternative image was released instead, taken from a lower angle to make Putin appear taller, with both leaders' legs cropped out of frame. Separate photos and video footage released by the Mozambican delegation show Chapo towering over Putin during another Kremlin engagement.
Online mockery and memes
Chapo was also subjected to online mockery, with memes suggesting his social media post inflated Putin's stature. One meme, depicting an even smaller Putin, asked: "Why did you enlarge Putin on your photo? Here's the original." Another parody cast Chapo as Lord of the Rings wizard Gandalf, with Putin reimagined as a barefoot hobbit.
Comments flooded in, with one reading: "Putin must feel very insecure, looking up." Another said: "Shaking hand with mass murderer dwarf. Disgusting." A third declared: "How dare you make Putin appear as the little man!" One comment read: "It's quite a shame to shake a hand with the modern Hitler. Btw, why he is so tiny?"
Chapo's announcement
Chapo took to social media to announce: "We are in Moscow, at the invitation of the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, to participate in the 3rd Russia–Africa Summit." He added: "This presence reflects the importance we attach to dialogue, cooperation, and strengthening relations between Mozambique, the Russian Federation, and African countries."
