A body language expert believes Vladimir Putin gave away three key signs he will be in charge during today’s high-profile meeting with Donald Trump. The eagerly awaited visited kicked off with Putin disembarking from his flight to Alaska and walking along a long red carpet to meet the US President.
On the face of it, they exchanged cordial, even warm greetings – but body language expert Inbaal Honigman, speaking on behalf of Oddspedia, said there were telltale signs lurking just under the surface which suggested the Russian leader was the “dominant party.” She explained: “First and foremost, it is the Russian president’s hand which is on top.
“His palm embraces the US president’s hand warmly, tightly, in a close manner that indicates that the two men are pleased to see each other.
“But Trump’s hand is at the bottom of the arrangement. Secondly, Putin’s raised forefinger is another mark of dominance. It commands attention.
“This is not a finger of anger or mistrust. In fact, there is a friendliness in Putin’s gesture.
“As he raises his pointer, the rest of his digits are curled but aren’t tight in a fist, rather they are hanging loose. He appears to trust Trump, but is still in charge of the exchange.
“And thirdly, Trump’s head is cocked to the side, whereas Putin’s is level. The former businessman’s tilted head exposes his ear, which is an indication of his willingness to listen.”
Significantly, Putin was “gazing straight ahead”, Ms Honigman pointed out.
She explained: “He’s not here to listen but to speak.
“Both heads of state are displaying genuine, matching smiles which touch their cheeks and eyes.
“They’re sincerely happy to meet. As they mirror each other’s facial expressions, they are planning to agree with one another.”
Donald Trump’s meeting with Vladimir Putin in Alaska today is their first since Putin ordered his invasion of Ukraine.
Held at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, the talks will focus on a potential Ukraine ceasefire and controversial territorial concessions.
However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was apparently not invited and is not in attendance.