# Mozambique President's Height Overshadows Putin at Russia-Africa Summit

> Photos from the Russia-Africa Summit show Mozambique's 6ft 8in president standing 13 inches taller than Vladimir Putin, who is just under 5ft 7in.

- Publisher: Briefzora (https://briefzora.com)
- URL: https://briefzora.com/mozambique-presidents-height-overshadows-putin-at-russia-africa-summit
- Published: 2026-10-28T19:32:47+05:00
- Author: Briefzora Desk (https://briefzora.com/author/briefzora-desk)
- Section: Politics
- Image: https://briefzora.com/uploads/2026/10/putin-mocked-as-mozambiques-6ft-8in-president-towers-over-5ft-7in-tyr-e4qvnj.webp

## Key points

- Mozambique president Daniel Chapo is 6ft 8in tall, 13 inches taller than Vladimir Putin.
- Putin's height is just under 5ft 7in and he often wears platform shoes.
- The original photo was released by Mozambique's presidential office on October 27 during the Russia-Africa Summit.
- The Kremlin issued a cropped version taken from a lower angle to make Putin appear slightly taller.
- Online memes portrayed Chapo as Gandalf and Putin as a hobbit, with some edits showing Putin as about 2ft tall.

## Why it matters

The images highlight the contrast between the two leaders at a high-profile diplomatic event, prompting viral memes and accusations of image manipulation.

## Article

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."

## Frequently asked questions

### How tall is Mozambique president Daniel Chapo compared to Vladimir Putin?

Daniel Chapo is 6ft 8in tall, which is 13 inches (33cm) taller than Putin, who is just under 5ft 7in.

### Did the Kremlin try to alter the summit photos?

Yes, the Kremlin released a version taken from a lower angle and cropped to omit the leaders' legs to make Putin appear marginally taller.

### When and where were the photos taken?

The pictures were taken on October 27 during the official welcoming ceremony for delegations at the eighth Gas Exporting Countries Forum summit in Moscow.


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