Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin were all smiles as they met in Alaska for Ukraine ceasefire talks, with a lip reader detailing the moment the US President whispered “I’ll help you” to his Russian counterpart
Donald Trump seemed to immediately back Vladimir Putin during their high-stakes meeting in Alaska tonight, with a lip reader revealing the moment he whispered, “I’ll help you”.
The two world leaders were all smiles as they landed in Anchorage this evening for Ukraine ceasefire discussions although meeting details were changed last minute. The duo looked like old pals as they walked down the red carpet to Mr. Trump’s waiting Presidential limo.
Their body language created a favorable impression in Russia, where government-friendly media praised the “cordial” welcome.
A lip reader has now revealed what the pair actually said to each other as their initial exchange was masked by the noise of American fighter jets soaring in ceremonial formation above.
Talking to The Mirror, lip reader Nicola Hickling said the first thing Mr Trump told his Russian counterpart was “finally”, with the two sharing a few more words as they headed toward the President’s vehicle, reports the Mirror.
She noted that, as the two clasped hands, Mr Trump added: “You made it, fantastic to see you and appreciated.”
Ms Hickling said the President then took a “sharp intake of breath through his teeth” before Putin responded with a peace offering, saying: “Thank you – and you. I am here to help you.”
She said Mr Trump replied “I’ll help you” in return. The two leaders were already making their way down the red carpet, appearing to chat amicably.
However, lipreader Ms. Hickling revealed that Trump emphasized the “serious” nature of the meeting. At one point, Putin seemed to suggest he would “bring it to a rest” to which Trump responded: “I hope it does.”
As they approached ‘The Beast’ – Trump’s nickname for his limousine – Ms. Hickling said Trump told Putin: “Come on, let’s get straight into the vehicle. We need to move forward, both giving it attention.”
Once they reached the podium for their first official photos together, Ms. Hickling said Trump took the lead again, aiming to make “a good impression”. She said he told Putin: “Thank you. Let’s shake hands – it gives a good impression.”
In response, Putin simply said “thank you”.
The initial meeting between the Russian and US leaders immediately sparked controversy, with Trump facing harsh criticism for his warm welcome of Putin.
Ukrainians, who expressed their disgust at the red carpet treatment, were not represented in the meeting. The country’s president, Volodymyr Zelensky, insisted that any discussions involving Ukraine should include him.
He stated prior to the talks on Wednesday: “Everything concerning Ukraine must be discussed exclusively with Ukraine. We must prepare a trilateral format for talks.”
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Lip reader details Trump-Putin exchange on red carpet in full
Donald Trump is seen waiting at the foot of the red carpet for Vladimir Putins arrival.
Trump begins clapping as Putin approaches and says, Finally.
As they shake hands, Trump adds, You made it, fantastic to see you and appreciated, followed by a sharp intake of breath through his teeth.
Putin responds, Thank you, and you. I am here to help you.
Trump replies, Ill help you.
Pointing towards Trump, Putin says, All they need is to ask.
Trump answers simply, Okay.
Putin continues, I will bring it to a rest.
Trump responds, I hope it does.
Turning towards the vehicle, Trump smiles and says, Come on, lets get straight into the vehicle. We need to move forward, both giving it attention. I know this is serious, its quite long. What a journey it is.
Trump salutes and says, Thank you.
He follows with, Its high pressure. Do you want the scoop?
Putin nods: Give me the scoop.
Trump tells him, Its cargo fuel.
Putin replies, Oh.
On the podium, Trump says, Thank you. Lets shake hands, it gives a good impression.
Putin nods in agreement, shakes his hand, and says, Thank you.
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