US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin met on 15/8 in Anchorage, Alaska. This summit, their first face-to-face meeting in six years, focused on the war in Ukraine and bilateral economic cooperation.
Air Force One, carrying Trump, landed first at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage. However, the US president remained on board, speaking with the Alaskan governor for about 30 minutes until Putin's plane landed.
This appeared to be a carefully orchestrated diplomatic maneuver, ensuring both leaders disembarked almost simultaneously, projecting an image of equal footing. They greeted each other on the red carpet, with Trump clapping as he waited for Putin to approach.
Beth Dawson, an American doctor of communication sciences, noted an "interesting" difference in the two leaders' styles as they descended the stairs.
"Trump descended cautiously, looking down, gripping the handrail, and moving quite slowly. Putin, in contrast, strode quickly, projecting energy," Dawson said.
Dr. Dawson also pointed out subtle gestures suggesting initial caution from both leaders.
"Trump's suit jacket was unbuttoned as he came down the stairs, but upon reaching the tarmac, he used both hands to subtly pull the jacket closer. This small gesture suggests vigilance," she explained. "Putin also briefly tucked his hand into his jacket while walking on the red carpet. These unconscious gestures often reflect inner feelings. Essentially, it's a self-hug, a desire to protect the core, to shield the heart."
Patty Ann Wood, an American body language expert, described the subsequent interactions at the airport as a blend of respect, control, and familiarity.
Wood observed Trump appeared confident and at ease. "While waiting, the US president smiled, indicating comfort and anticipation," she explained. "It was a natural, slight smile with slightly downturned corners. His shoulders were further back and his posture straighter than usual, possibly due to form-fitting attire underneath. All of this points to confidence."
As the two leaders greeted each other, Dawson noted Putin's "genuine" smile. "He seemed genuinely pleased to see Trump, walking across the tarmac and looking directly at him. He actually extended his hand first."
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The US and Russian leaders extend their hands to each other upon meeting in Alaska, 15/8. Photo: Reuters |
The US and Russian leaders extend their hands to each other upon meeting in Alaska, 15/8. Photo: Reuters
As Putin approached, Trump lightly clapped and stepped forward, showing respect, Wood pointed out. Trump's handshake deviated from his typical style.
"Trump usually places his hand on top in handshakes, but this time, his palm was up," while Putin's hand came down from above, Wood analyzed. "However, Trump still employed his signature move of pulling the other person closer after the handshake, a display of dominance."
Dr. Dawson observed Putin "looked quite happy" to take a few small steps forward as Trump pulled him closer, demonstrating initiative. "We see a real connection between them."
Trump then patted Putin's arm with his left hand, creating a "double handshake." "This is a subtle power move, symbolically saying, 'I could overpower you if I wanted.' However, Putin reciprocated," placing his left hand on Trump's arm, Wood noted.
Trump's hand then tended to move upward, shifting the dynamic. "It was like a handshake chess match," Wood described, noting Putin appeared confident and relaxed in his arm, "unlike six months ago when he seemed stiffer."
Both leaders maintained slight smiles and eye contact. Wood interpreted this as a balance of "respect and assertion." Their heads remained close, suggesting warmth.
Trump kept his hand close to his body. At one point, he grasped Putin's elbow and leaned in to whisper, a gesture both controlling and intimate.
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The US and Russian leaders shake hands during their meeting in Alaska, 15/8. Photo: Reuters |
The US and Russian leaders shake hands during their meeting in Alaska, 15/8. Photo: Reuters
However, observers noted a slight increase in tension as the two leaders posed for photos before the media.
Putin at one point clenched and then released his fist. "This could be a signal of preparing for a confrontation," Wood observed.
During the photo opportunity, a reporter shouted, asking Putin, "Will you agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine?" Receiving no response, the reporter continued, "When will Russia stop inflicting casualties on Ukrainian civilians?"
Putin pointed to his ear, indicating he couldn't hear, then turned to Trump, and the two leaders exchanged words. Observers viewed this as a "dramatic" gesture from the Russian leader, possibly conveying, "I won't answer that question."
Despite the posturing, Wood felt the encounter exuded warmth, resembling "a reunion of old friends."
"I've seen Trump give icy stares or avoid eye contact in similar situations, but not this time," Wood said.
The three-hour meeting concluded without a ceasefire agreement in Ukraine, though both leaders claimed significant progress.
Duc Trung (Via Newsweek, New York Post)
