At the G20 summit in Australia this weekend, Russian President Vladimir Putin clashed with other world leaders over Moscow’s aggression against Ukraine — but Mr. Putin and his counterparts seemed to bond over the cuteness of Koala bears.
Mr. Putin, President Obama, Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott and other leaders were pictured smiling broadly and holding Koala bears. Mr. Abbott and Mr. Putin were photographed together holding the Koalas, even though the Australian leader previously had vowed to confront Mr. Putin over the crisis in Ukraine.
Mr. Obama also posed with a Koala, with the White House releasing a picture on its official Twitter account with the caption “sharing a koalaty moment in Australia.”
Reporters traveling with the president said that Jimbelung, a 2-year-old female koala who posed with Mr. Obama and Mr. Putin, also visited with the press for a brief time.
The koala reportedly ate eucalyptus while meeting with the media.
Australia is sending Jimbelung home with the Japanese delegation as a gift.
• Ben Wolfgang can be reached at bwolfgang@washingtontimes.com.
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