A body language expert has provided insights into what Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy might think of Donald Trump following a noticeable shift in Trump’s stance.
Donald Trump has frequently mentioned his desire to bring the conflict in Ukraine to an end. However, his interactions with Volodymyr Zelenskyy have been far from smooth.
In February of this year, during Zelenskyy’s visit to the White House, tensions arose over perceived disrespect towards the US and Zelenskyy’s choice of attire.
The Ukrainian leader then challenged Trump to visit Ukraine and experience their situation firsthand, which led to a tense exchange between the two.
Despite this rocky start, Trump surprisingly began to advocate for Ukraine, hosting European leaders at the White House to formulate a plan.
Unexpectedly, Trump has recently shown significant support for Ukraine.
During the UN General Assembly in New York, he expressed confidence that Kyiv can win its conflict with Russia and reclaim lost territories.
This statement on Truth Social was unprecedented, occurring shortly after his meeting with Zelenskyy.
Trump explained his position to France’s Emmanuel Macron: “I thought that was going to be the easiest one [war to stop] because of my relationship with Putin but unfortunately that relationship didn’t mean anything.”
But with Trump changing his approach to Ukraine, has Zelenskyy reciprocated in his attitude towards Trump?
Body language expert Beth Dawson analyzed their meeting and found it quite revealing.
She noted that while Trump maintained an authoritative posture, ‘Zelensky’s body language is very different’.
“His hands are clasped together, which is a gesture of restraint or self-comfort. He also leans slightly forward but his posture and movements are signalling deference, and we see that as there is less of a slump and more of a ‘holding of the position,’” Dawson explained.
She described his facial expressions as showing ‘micro expressions of nervousness’ like ‘tight lips, shifting eyes,’ suggesting he’s ‘holding his emotions in check in front of a stronger counterpart and a global audience’.
Zelenskyy frequently turns his body towards Trump, indicating ‘attentiveness, respect, and a strong wish to connect’, according to Dawson.
In certain moments, he uses non-verbal cues to show his desire to connect with the leader.
“At key moments, Zelensky adds emphasis to his words with non-verbal cues. When he says ‘thank you, Mr President’ he nods, underlining his words and showing deference. When he stresses ‘thank you for this meeting’ he widens his eyes and moves his head towards Trump, almost demanding that the gratitude is noticed,” she said.
She added: “And when he says ‘thank you for your personal efforts to stop this war’ he opens his hands, shifting from a closed posture to one of openness and appeal. The gesture signals honesty, vulnerability, and a request for help.”
Combining all these observations, Dawson suggests that Zelenskyy is ‘working hard to close the gap’.
She concluded: “Zelensky, almost insistently, pushes to connect and close the distance.”
Perhaps they are finding common ground?