White, glistening and six meters long, the table chosen for Vladimir Putin's meeting with world leaders has sparked a flurry of memes and a slew of speculation about its symbolism.
The table has featured in photographs splashed across the internet in recent days, as the Russian president sits with Western leaders eager to defuse tensions over Ukraine.
He sat across from French President Emmanuel Macron at the table last week, and on Tuesday sat there with Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
Officially, the lacquered wood table is a coronavirus feature to ensure ample distance between him and guests. Analysts say its symbolism speaks volumes, showing Putin as distant and isolated.
"It is obvious he's more and more alone," political analyst Konstantin Kalachev says
It's not the only long table preferred by Putin.
The 69-year-old leader, cautious about coronavirus, has also been sitting at a long rectangular one for meetings with advisers.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov says: "There's nothing terrible or special here. We're going through times that dictate special measures."
In fact, extraordinary steps are protect Putin, who lives in a virus-free bubble.
People are required to self-isolate before being in contact with Putin. A disinfection tunnel is installed at his residence outside Moscow, and foreign delegations and journalists going to the Kremlin must provide three negative PCR tests in four days leading up to a visit.
And visiting leaders who want a face-to-face meeting with Putin must agree to a Kremlin-administered swab or settle for the far end of the table.
Both Macron and Scholz declined the Kremlin test, opting to get one from their own medics.
Netizens have pounced on the table, dishing up humorous comments despite the crisis setting. One suggested Ikea name a long table after Putin.
Vladimir Putin with Emmanuel Macron.
