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Coffee, conversations and more @ Sochi
The icy relationship between Russia and the West spread to Sochi as many leaders kept away from the Winter Olympics. Syria, Russia’s anti-gay law and human rights were reason enough for the snub.
So there was no Barack Obama and no David Cameron at Friday’s dazzling opening ceremony. But Russian President Vladimir Putin wasn’t exactly left friendless.
Asian leaders, those from former Soviet republics and a few royals joined Putin in the VIP box. And they all seem to be having a ball.
Rediff.com brings you a few candid moments from Sochi.
Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks with Olympic Village Mayor Elena Isinbaeva while visiting the Coastal Cluster Olympic Village at the Athletes Village.
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Coffee, conversations and more @ Sochi
Afghan President Hamid Karzai waits to order a coffee in the presidential lounge before the opening ceremony of the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics at the Fisht Olympic Stadium.
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Coffee, conversations and more @ Sochi
Putin toasts guests in the presidential lounge after the opening ceremony of the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics at the Fisht Olympic Stadium.
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Coffee, conversations and more @ Sochi
Chinese President Xi Jinping waves from the presidential tribune during the opening ceremony of the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics.
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Coffee, conversations and more @ Sochi
Japan PM Shinzo Abe and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan and wife Emine attend the Opening Ceremony of the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics at Fisht Olympic Stadium.
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Coffee, conversations and more @ Sochi
Karzai watches fireworks during the opening ceremony at the Games.
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Coffee, conversations and more @ Sochi
Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych watches the opening ceremony in Sochi.
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Coffee, conversations and more @ Sochi
King Constantine of Greece smiles on arrival for the opening ceremony of the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi.
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Coffee, conversations and more @ Sochi
Russia's Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev attends the opening ceremony.
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Coffee, conversations and more @ Sochi
Dutch King Willem-Alexander arrives for the opening ceremony of the 2014 Winter Olympics.
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Coffee, conversations and more @ Sochi
Prince Albert of Monaco and his wife Princess Charlene enjoy the opening ceremony at Sochi.
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