Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin participated in a red carpet greeting on Friday afternoon, with the US President receiving sharp criticism for the glowing reception, sparking further fears of WW3
Donald Trump appeared to show immediate support for Vladimir Putin as they met for crunch talks in Alaska this evening, with a lip reader detailing the moment he whispered “I’ll help you”.
The two world leaders were all smiles as they touched down in Alaskan capital Anchorage this evening for Ukraine ceasefire talks, with the pair appearing best of friends while strolling along the red carpet to Mr Trump’s awaiting Presidential limousine. Their body language made a positive impression in Russia, where state-aligned media outlets praised the “friendly” greeting.
A lipreader has now shed light on what the two actually said to one another as their initial conversation was drowned out by the sounds of American jets flying in celebratory formation overhead.
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Speaking to The Mirror, lipreader Nicola Hickling said the first thing Mr Trump said to his Russian counterpart was “finally”, with the two exchanging a few more words as they walked towards the President’s car.
She added that, as the two shook hands, Mr Trump added: “You made it, fantastic to see you and appreciated.” Ms Hickling added the President then took a “sharp intake of breath through his teeth” before Putin responds with an olive branch, saying: “Thank you — and you. I am here to help you.”
She said Mr Trump said “I’ll help you” in response.
At this point, the two leaders were already in motion, walking down the red carpet laid for them both while seeming to speak amicably, but lipreader Ms Hickling said Mr Trump stressed the “serious” nature of the meeting. At one point in the conversation, Putin appeared to suggest he would “bring it to a rest” while the US President responds: “I hope it does.”
As they turned towards the limousine – which Mr Trump has named ‘The Beast’ – Ms Hickling said Mr Trump told his companion: “Come on, let’s get straight into the vehicle. We need to move forward, both giving it attention.”
After the two arrived at the podium for their first official photos together, Ms Hickling said Mr Trump took the lead again by trying to make “a good impression”. She said he told Putin: “Thank you. Let’s shake hands — it gives a good impression.” In response, she said Putin delivered a straightforward “thank you”.
The initial meeting of the Russian and US leaders has immediately raised eyebrows, with Mr Trump being sharply criticised for his glowing reception of Putin.
Ukrainians, who have said they are “disgusted” by the red carpet treatment, have not been represented in the meeting, with the country’s president Volodymyr Zelensky saying there should be trilateral talks involving himself. He said ahead of the talks on Wednesday: “Everything concerning Ukraine must be discussed exclusively with Ukraine. We must prepare a trilateral format for talks.”