Vladimir Putin was mocked after a photo from the Russia-Africa Summit showed Mozambique's 6ft 8in president standing 13 inches taller than the Russian leader, who is just under 5ft 7in.
The Kremlin has been accused of attempting to hide the images that display the huge Daniel Chapo, a full 33cm taller than Putin, after the picture was posted by the Mozambique presidential office.
Putin, known to be sensitive about his stature, often wears high platform shoes to add height.
The original snap was missing from Moscow press releases, while the Kremlin later issued a version taken from a lower angle and cropped to omit both leaders' legs, trying to make Putin appear slightly taller.
Even with the altered view, Chapo's massive frame still makes Putin look tiny.
The photos were taken during the official welcoming ceremony for delegations at the eighth Gas Exporting Countries Forum summit on October 27, hosted by Putin in Moscow.
Chapo is also attending the third Russia-Africa Summit in the Russian capital.
The stark height contrast quickly generated a dozen viral images online, including a parody that depicted Chapo as Gandalf and Putin as a barefoot hobbit, and another edited picture that reduced Putin to about 2ft tall.
Comments on the images ranged from "Putin must feel very insecure, looking up" to "How dare you make Putin appear as the little man!" Some users also mocked Chapo for "editing" the photo.
Chapo ignored the memes, posting a generic statement alongside the images: "We are in Moscow, at the invitation of the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, to participate in the 3rd Russia-Africa Summit. This presence reflects the importance we attach to dialogue, cooperation, and strengthening relations between Mozambique, the Russian Federation, and African countries."
