Vladimir Putin has arrived in Australia for the G20 amid a barrage of criticism from Western leaders.
The Russian president stepped onto the runway at Brisbane airport on Friday night with dozens of staffers.
Federal Assistant Defence Minister Stuart Robert, Queensland Governor Paul De Jersey and the Governor-General's Secretary Mark Fraser greeted him.
Mr Putin quickly hopped into his black armoured Mercedes limousine, which was part of a motorcade of 20 vehicles including a minibus, at least 10 vans and Australian federal police cars and motorbikes.
But the friendliness and hospitality may end there for the man Prime Minister Tony Abbott has accused of bullying and aggression.
As Mr Putin sped off, Angela Merkel's Bundesrepublik Deutschland plane arrived.
The German Chancellor's entourage was more modest than the Russian leader's as was her motorcade which contained 10 vehicles.
But in an apparent snub to Mr Putin, Attorney-General George Brandis, who had not been sighted, suddenly appeared to personally greet her.
A usually serious Mr Brandis smiled warmly as he ushered Ms Merkel to her white BMW.
Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to touch down shortly.
