Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin have quite the, well, interesting relationship.
From previously saying they are ‘very close’ and have a ‘very good relationship, the US president also hits out at Russia and claims to be ‘very angry’ with the leader.
For one reason or another, this kind of back and forth has been long running and the pair don’t necessarily always directly meet face to face.
But tracing things back, body language experts have analysed how Trump ‘really felt’ about Putin when they had their first face-to-face talks.
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Back in 2017, the pair met on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Hamburg, Germany. Having been scheduled to last 30 minutes, the meeting stretched to over two hours as it was reported at the time discussions included ‘Ukraine, Syria, some bilateral and other issues.'
There was also conversation around ‘fighting terrorism and cybersecurity.'
Before their meeting, the pair gave brief public remarks as Trump said: “We look forward to a lot of very positive things happening for Russia, for the United States and for everybody concerned.
“And it’s an honour to be with you.”
Through an interpreter, Putin added: “I’m delighted to be able to meet you personally, Mr. President. And I hope, as you have said, our meeting will yield positive results.”
Body language expert Dr Lillian Glass observed the video of the pair shaking hands as she said the US president ‘looked more dominant.'
“Trump is completely taking control,” she claimed. “And the handshake is very strong on both of their parts – this is a very strong handshake.”
Glass went on to describe a ‘tension’ in Putin’s face.
“He’s not used to another leader taking control, he’s usually the one in control of things,” she said.
Another clip of the pair shaking hands was shared by the German government as Glass pointed out Trump grabbing Putin’s arm.
“This is a power play,” the expert claimed as she said it can be ‘a sign of affection’ but also a way of indicating the US leader was ‘the one in charge.'
TIME also spoke to body language expert Patti Wood who said that gesture was indicating support.
“Trump puts his left hand up underneath, which is the supportive cue, up underneath Putin’s arm and taps it three times,” she explained.
“Now that’s going to sound odd, but three actually has a strong symbolic reference in nonverbal communication, and typically it means a true feeling or a true emotion. So you combine all those together: He’s supportive underneath Putin’s arm, he’s touching it three times in a gentle pat. It means, ‘I support you, I really support you.’”
She also said the way that Trump was seated in the remarks before the private meeting had a certain slouch ‘that’s all about manliness.'
Topics: Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin, Politics, US News, Russia
Jess Battison