When Donald Trump sat down with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday, April 26, many were curious about the nature of their discussion.
Trump, who took office as the 47th President of the United States on January 20, has announced several global issues he wishes to address during his tenure.
He began by enacting executive orders, deporting individuals in his anti-immigration campaign, and initiating a tariff conflict with various countries.
Among these priorities, Ukraine stands out as a significant concern for him.
Thus, the leaders utilized the occasion to converse at Pope Francis’ funeral in Vatican City over the weekend.
Photos from the event showed the two presidents deeply engrossed in conversation, both leaning forward in their chairs.
There have been some tense interactions between them concerning the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, which Trump believes he can help resolve.
Previously, tensions escalated in the Oval Office when Zelensky was accused of disrespecting the United States.
However, their recent meeting in St Peter’s Basilica might signal a fresh start, as a body language expert has analyzed their non-verbal cues.
Judi James shared with Mail Online that the exchange was ‘phenomenally intense,’ resembling a strategic match between two chess experts.
Rather than clashing again, the presidents seemed interested in reaching a consensus.
James remarked: “This is phenomenally intense-looking body language, made all the more surreal by the setting it’s occurring in.
“Their poses here make them look like two men hunched over a game of chess, plotting and competing,’ although here, she said, ‘it’s the fate of the world they are haggling over.”
She further commented: “The horn-locking positioning of the heads could look sinister, suggesting conflict.
“But the close proximity of the two men here and the mirrored positions seems to weigh the balance in the direction of moving to agreement rather than conflict.”
She noted that a previous Oval Office disagreement showed Trump exhibiting ‘physical dominance’ with ‘aggressive arousal.’
In contrast, during the Saturday meeting, ‘both men here seem more intent in looking like physical and status equals’.
James observed this by examining Trump’s stance.
She explained that ‘Trump’s feet are pushed under his chair, and he is on his toes, suggesting a desire to move and keep flexible in his discussion’.
Additionally, his clasped hands and pursed lips imply a willingness to ‘listen’ to Zelensky.
Zelensky’s posture indicated stubbornness, with ‘feet are pushed out and planted flat on the floor’.
But his cupped hands and raised eyebrows suggest a desire to persuade and make a point.
As for the results of their discussions?
Both leaders later issued statements on social media characterizing the meeting as constructive.
Zelensky posted on X: “Good meeting. We discussed a lot one on one. Hoping for results on everything we covered.
“Protecting lives of our people. Full and unconditional ceasefire. Reliable and lasting peace that will prevent another war from breaking out.
“Very symbolic meeting that has potential to become historic, if we achieve joint results. Thank you.”
On Truth Social, Trump criticized Russia’s recent actions and called for new strategies, saying: “There was no reason for Putin to be shooting missiles into civilian areas, cities and towns, over the last few days.
“It makes me think that maybe he doesn’t want to stop the war, he’s just tapping me along, and has to be dealt with differently, through ‘Banking’ or ‘Secondary Sanctions?’ Too many people are dying!!!”
He concluded: “No matter what deal I make with respect to Russia/Ukraine, no matter how good it is, even if it’s the greatest deal ever made, The Failing New York Times will speak BADLY of it.”