Zelensky is 5’7” (153.88 in non-freedom units), which coincidentally is the same as Putin’s height. Also, Pootpoot is widely suspected of wearing lifts in his shoes.

I still think it’s a very powerful image, and portrays well how Ukraine must have felt after the meeting. One of the best journalistic images I have seen for a long while, precisely because the composition paints a story that is emotionally true, but in reality was just a short, inconsequential moment.

This image would have little value if Ukraine left the event happy with the results, feeling confident in their allies and NATO. Then it would be emotionally untrue as well.