Australia’s typical balmy weather failed to warm Russian President Vladimir Putin, whose reception at the G-20 on Friday more closely resembled a Siberian winter.

The frosty reception began when Putin was welcomed to Brisbane, not by the nation’s prime minister, but by one of the Australian ministry’s most junior members—the assistant defense minister. This not-so-subtly indicated the mood for the weekend’s summit. One commentator jokingly said, “Putin’s warmest encounter at the G-20 was with a koala, and even the animal looked alarmed.”

Every effort was made to leave the Russian president ostracized. Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott threatened October 13 to “shirt-front” his Russian counterpart when Putin arrived for the G-20. At the summit, Abbot demanded an apology over downed Malaysian Airlines Flight MH-17, which claimed the lives of 28 Australians among a death toll of 298 people.

Vladimir Putin refused to apologize.

Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper reportedly greeted Putin by saying, “I guess I’ll shake your hand, but I have only one thing to say to you: You need to get out of Ukraine.”

Putin coolly replied that this was impossible since Russia clearly wasn’t in Ukraine.

Other leaders confronted the Russian president over the ongoing invasion in Ukraine. British Prime Minister David Cameron stated, “This is going to be a test of the stamina and political will of the United States and the EU. I think we will meet that test.”

But for Putin, the barrage of ice-clad statements condemning Russia’s actions in Ukraine seemed little cause for unease. In fact, Putin appeared more concerned about affairs back home in Russia. Returning a political backhand to the previous day’s condemning statements, Putin left the G-20 early. His reason: He needed sleep before work on Monday.

Being made to stand at the edge of group photos, facing down cool glares, and enduring awkward conversations are of little concern to Putin, who rebuffed the frosty approaches with an air of indifference. Leaving the G-20 on his own schedule confirmed Putin’s lack of concern.

Putin’s blasé approach to the summit demonstrates where his priorities lie. If Putin were genuinely apprehensive about what the West thought of his actions, he would have made the most of the opportunity the G-20 presented. As it was, Putin spent a great deal more time with German Chancellor Angela Merkel than with leaders of the English-speaking nations. No bilateral talks were organized between Putin and United States President Barack Obama.

Why didn’t the cold shoulder work? Because ultimately, there is no power behind it. The Russian bear has little to fear from the sticks and stones of the West, and less still from its words. A few threats and light sanctions will do little to curb the belligerency of Russia. Putin is determined to see Russia reclaim the former glory of the Soviet Union. And Bible prophecy tells us that “shirt-fronting” and cold shoulders won’t stand in his way.

If Putin’s actions and indifferent attitude toward the West alarm you, consider reading Trumpet editor in chief Gerald Flurry’s article discussing Putin’s future. It explains the Russian leader’s role in Bible prophecy today, and contains a dire warning, not just to Putin, but also to the world. The title says it all: “A Message to the Prince of Russia—From God.”