Amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Russian President Vladimir Putin appeared to pretend to be asleep as the Ukrainian Winter Olympic team was welcomed to the opening ceremony of the Games in Beijing.
The 69-year-old Russian president, who currently has a large military force gathered on the border with Ukraine, closed his eyes and sat back in his chair with his arms folded as Ukraine’s athletes entered the Bird’s Nest Stadium.
Putin was seen not wearing a face mask, despite everyone else in the VIP area covering their face.
Despite the decision to host the games in China being heavily scrutinized, considering the criticism faced by human rights groups and from countries competing in the games, Chinese President Xi Jinping received a standing ovation as he entered the stadium before the start of the ceremony.
Xi previously signed a document that condemned America for its perceived influence in Europe, the expansion of NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organisation), and the US government’s ‘negative impact on peace and stability’ in the Asia-Pacific region.
Putin was amongst a small group of foreign dignitaries and world leaders that attended the opening ceremony, with most – including those from Great Britain – not present due to concerns over China’s record on human rights and the country’s persecution of Uyghur Muslims in the eastern province of Xinjiang.
The games officially opened on 4 February – with preliminary events beginning on 2 February – and will run from February 4 until February 20.
