Russia's President Vladimir Putin rolled out the red carpet for his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping on Thursday as the latter arrived at the Kremlin.

In a cavernous reception hall, the whole world watched as the two leaders approached each other from what felt like a distance of 100 meters.

Numerous cameras captured the moment: Waving, smiling and shaking hands — just about everything that goes with the courtesy of state visits.

The images are highly symbolic.

Russia is internationally isolated as a result of its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The International Criminal Court has even issued an arrest warrant against Putin.

The Russian president needs allies, and only a few can match the power and influence of Xi.

The Chinese president is in Moscow to attend Russia's Victory Day parade marking the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany in World War II.

More than 20 other foreign dignitaries, including leaders from Cuba, Venezuela and Mongolia, among others, were in Red Square for the event.

From Europe, only Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico took part.

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© Deutsche Welle