Vladimir Putin and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman shared a ‘bro handshake’ and looked thrilled to see each other at the G20 summit.

The pair, who are each facing international condemnation over Ukraine and the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, were all smiles as they exchanged pleasantries in Buenos Aires.

Salman had been left standing alone as world leaders filed past him and into a meeting room – before the Russian President arrived to sit next to him.

Putin appeared to offer a high five to Bin Salman (known as MBS) and the de-facto Saidu leader enthusiastically grasped it before both sat down with wide grins on their faces.

The Russian leader who has been isolated over the poisoning of ex-spy Sergei Skripal in Salisbury has also been under pressure in recent days after Russian ships fired upon Ukranian boats in the Kerch Strait.

For the official ‘family photo’ of world leaders and other dignitaries MBS was sidelined – however he was in a similar position in photos taken in 2017 and 2016.

Bin Salman’ s presence at the international summit has been contentious following the killing of dissident Saudi journalist Jamal
Khashoggi at a Saudi consulate in Istanbul in October.

The crown prince, Saudi Arabia’s de facto ruler, quickly exited the stage without shaking hands or talking with other leaders.

At center stage was Argentine President Mauricio Macri, hosting this year’s summit of G20 industrialized nations.

Macri has said accusations that Prince Mohammed was involved in Khashoggi’s death could be discussed by world leaders during
the two-day summit.

Saudi Arabia has said the prince had no prior knowledge of the murder.

Western leaders piled pressure on Moscow over its actions on the Crimean peninsula.

In a statement, foreign ministers from the UK, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the US said they “express our utmost concern about Russia’s actions against Ukraine in the Kerch Strait and surrounding waters, ‎which have dangerously raised tensions”.

They added: “There is no justification for Russia’s use of military force against Ukrainian ships and naval personnel.

“We urge restraint, due respect for international law, and the prevention of any further escalation.

“We call on Russia to release the detained crew and vessels and refrain from impeding lawful passage through the Kerch Strait.

“We, the G7, once again reiterate that ‎we do not, and will never, recognise Russia’s illegal annexation of the Crimean peninsula, and we reaffirm our unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.‎”

Theresa May has vowed to confront Salman over Khashoggi and the war in Yemen, saying she will not avoid speaking with him at the summit.

She said: "In relation to Mr Khashoggi, we want to see a full and transparent investigation of what happened and those responsible being held to account.

"With the issue of Yemen, we continue to be deeply concerned about the humanitarian situation. The long-term solution for Yemen is a political solution, and we will be encouraging the parties to work for that political solution."

Meanwhile Donald Trump chatted with world leaders during the group photo session at the G20 summit and did not acknowledge Bin Salman or Putin.

Via Twitter the US president cancelled a formal sit-down with Putin at the summit in Argentina over Moscow’s seizure of Ukrainian vessels.

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