A GIANT banner has hidden the Ukrainian embassy and the country’s blue and yellow flag from Putin, in a fawning show of fealty.
The hastily erected barrier shielded the Russian leader’s eyes from the consulate of his enemy, replaced instead by a screen showing “welcome videos”, which at one point was emblazoned in white, red and blue – the colours of Russia.
In time for Putin’s three-day visit to Kyrgyzstan, President Sadyr Japarov had the billboard placed in front of the presidential residence Yntymak Ordo.
The stunt blocked the entire view of the Ukrainian embassy, less than 200 meters away.
Putin – who was booked to speak at the Collective Security Treaty Organization in the ex-Soviet state – arrived accompanied by ex-Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich.
The pair were welcomed with an elaborate ceremony involving trained hunting eagles, mounted horsemen, guard dogs and traditional musical and dance performances.
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Ukrainian officials have not commented on the move except to say “there is obviously a cause-and-effect relationship”.
Japarov said the Kremlin leader “has been and will remain a strategic ally, a reliable partner, and a close friend”.
Kyrgyzstan – officially neutral in the war – has been widely seen in the West as a key hub for sanctions busting.
The tyrant’s visit comes after Britain’s National Crime Agency reported that George Rossi – the man at the top of the alleged UK money laundering syndicate TGR – had purchased a bank in Kyrgyzstan.
Rossi – who authorities believe washes cash for drug-dealers, illegal firearm suppliers and people smugglers – bought Keremet Bank through his company Altair Holding SA.
The bank was facilitating payments for Russian state-owned bank Promsvyazbank (PSB).
The financial institution facilitated sanctions evasion to the benefit of Russia’s war in Ukraine.
On Wednesday, Putin spoke at the security conference, once again kicked the can down the road on peace talks, risking the ire of Donald Trump.
He also denied claims that Moscow harbours colonial ambitions towards the rest of Europe.
Breaking his silence on the US-brokered deal for the first time, Putin avoided questions about the state of negotiations.
The Russian leader said the Kremlin was prepared for “serious” talks and confirming that a US delegation, including Steve Witkoff, will visit Moscow next week.
He warned that Trump’s sanctions against Russian oil companies were destroying any relationship his country has with the US.
Putin went on to say that Russia “doesn’t have any aggressive plans towards Europe” and any suggestion to the contrary was ridiculous.
Despite these declarations, the Russian war machine is continuing to produce missiles at an alarming rate.