Putin's Awkward Riyadh Rendezvous: A Bro-Handshake Too Far at the Anti-West Gathering

In a diplomatic spectacle intended to project an image of robust unity against Western influence, Russian President Vladimir Putin's recent visit to Saudi Arabia took an unexpectedly cringeworthy turn. The high-profile trip, part of a lightning tour to the Middle East, was meant to solidify alliances and demonstrate a defiance of international isolation.

However, a particular handshake with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) at the BRICS+ summit in Riyadh became an instant viral sensation, not for its warmth, but for its palpable awkwardness.

The moment, captured on camera for all the world to see, began as a seemingly standard, if vigorous, 'bro handshake' between the two powerful leaders.

But what followed was anything but conventional. As the initial grip lingered, evolving into an uncomfortably prolonged hand-hold, a noticeable tension permeated the air. Putin, known for his stoic demeanor, appeared to lock eyes with MBS, maintaining a tight clasp for an extended period that seemed to stretch into eternity.

Body language experts and casual observers alike noted the bizarre duration and the almost forced intensity of the exchange, raising eyebrows across the globe.

This wasn't just a fleeting moment of social clumsiness; it was a highly visible, almost theatrical display on a geopolitical stage. Both leaders, facing significant international scrutiny—Putin over the ongoing war in Ukraine and MBS over his human rights record—were clearly aiming to present a united front.

The summit itself was a platform for nations seeking to re-shape the global order, challenging the dominance of traditional Western powers. Yet, the peculiar hand-hold inadvertently underscored the very complexities and potential strains within these burgeoning alliances.

The optics of the interaction spoke volumes.

While the two leaders may share common interests in energy markets and a desire to counterbalance Western hegemony, the public display of their handshake suggested an underlying discomfort. It felt less like a genuine moment of camaraderie and more like a performative act, a carefully choreographed yet ultimately clunky attempt to convey an unbreakable bond.

The stiff smiles and the unnaturally long grip painted a picture of an alliance forged out of necessity rather than deep affection.

Beyond the immediate awkwardness, the interaction served as a potent symbol of the shifting sands of global diplomacy. As Western nations continue to isolate Russia, Putin has aggressively pursued new partnerships, particularly with resource-rich nations in the Middle East and Asia.

Saudi Arabia, in turn, has demonstrated a growing independence in its foreign policy, diversifying its alliances beyond its traditional ties with the United States. This hand-hold, despite its oddness, was a stark visual reminder of this evolving landscape, where pragmatism often trumps personal rapport.

Ultimately, the image of Putin and MBS locked in their peculiar embrace will likely endure as a memorable vignette from a summit laden with geopolitical significance.

It was a moment that simultaneously highlighted the shared ambitions of these leaders to defy Western pressure and the inherent, often awkward, realities of forging alliances in a fractured world. The message of unity was certainly sent, but perhaps the lingering impression was one of a partnership still finding its footing, quite literally, in the palm of a strained hand.