One of these pictures is of a government official fulfilling the diplomatic duties of the office, the other is a private citizen joining a MAGA extremist at a gala for a Russian propaganda network.
It's literally the job of the president to maintain diplomatic relations with other world leaders, even the ones we disagree with. It is not an endorsement of Putin to say that. Stein isn't the president, or Vice President, or Secretary of State, or anything. She holds no office, much less one that necessitates meeting foreign dignitaries. She did this on her own, the question is why.
I really, really dont think youve ever supported diplomacy with russia. The notion just suits your current argument, that also hinges on Steins goal of becoming president not affording her any interest in those same diplomatic relations.