On May 21st, 2023, a photo was taken at the World Summit of world leaders, which is commonly called a “family photo.” This type of photo typically aims to showcase a relaxed atmosphere among the leaders. However, the recent “family photos” from the G7 and G8 countries highlight the international isolation of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Since February 2022, the Russian president has encountered tremendous isolation from the international community after the country’s invasion of Ukraine. The president also faces an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court, which restricts his travel, including to countries that are Moscow’s allies.
Ten years ago, at the summit of eight major powers in Northern Ireland, Putin and his compatriots at the time, such as former U.S. President Barack Obama, former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, and former Chancellor Shinzo Abe, proudly stood together in a family photo. But things have changed since then, with Russia being expelled from a group consisting of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK, and the US for annexing Crimea illegally in 2014.
Images from this year’s G7 summit showcase the heads of state without Putin. These photos demonstrate how much Putin’s position has shifted in the international community.