Chris

Gift-giving can create a sense of powerful largesse around the giver and obligation on the part of the receiver and being seen wearing the gift could magnify that. It’s perhaps notable that only his known lap dog, Lukashenko of Belarus, immediately put his ring on.

In a funny sort of way this actually is a power play of sorts. There’s no doubt Putin really needs these people onside now. Though in their minds there should be no doubt that in the long run their prospects for remaining in independent control of their territories is slim, if Russia gets away with its adventurism in Ukraine (though I very much doubt it will).