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Topics: Donald Trump, US News, World News, News, Politics
Rhianna Benson
Topics: Donald Trump, US News, World News, News, Politics
It was the political summit the world had been waiting on, and after meeting last Friday to discuss a possible end to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, a lip reader has discussed one of Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump's most hotly-debated interactions.
After Trump, 79, touched down at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, he approached his Russian counterpart with an outstretched arm and a warm smile. Oddly, Putin, 72 - famed for his stone-cold facade - issued the same cordial embrace.
Following an amicable welcome, the political pair could be seen speaking closely with one another, before heading off together in a limousine for a summit that would last less than three hours.
The meeting was intended for Trump and Putin to discuss an end to war in Ukraine - either through a ceasefire, or a peace deal - as well as the possibility of NATO-style security guarantees (but not NATO membership) for Ukraine.
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It is also understood that the pair discussed further cooperation between the US and Russia in areas like technology, trade, space, and Arctic exploration.
As we say, however, despite microphones having been switched off for the pair's initial handshake, a lip reader has since 'revealed' what she believes was first uttered by both Trump and Putin.
Speaking to The Sun, body language expert Nicola Hickling claimed, surprisingly, the leaders spoke in cooperative tones straight off the bat.
She believes Putin's first word to Trump was: "Finally."
After rigorously clasping his hand, Putin followed up: "I am here to help you."
The American is then said to have replied: "I'll help you."
Putin is then understood to have continued with his promise, telling Trump something along the lines of: "All they need is to ask… I will bring it to a rest."
"I hope it does," Trump is said to have replied.
Hickling believes the remarks almost certainly referenced the war going on in Ukraine - which the pair have ceaselessly discussed with one another, yet not come to an agreement on.
Despite many spectators pinning their hopes for a ceasefire upon the high-stakes meeting, both Putin and Trump agree that 'no deal' was reached.
That said, however, the Russian's supposed reference to bringing things 'to a rest' still leave the possibility of an agreement for peace being struck in private.
"We had an extremely productive meeting and many points were agreed to, there are just a very few that are left," Trump later said in a news conference. "We didn’t get there, but we have a very good chance of getting there."
Putin also praised Trump for the 'friendly' meeting, and for 'understanding that Russia has its own national interests'.
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy will visit the White House to meet with the president today (18 August), during which it is hoped that a slight way forward will be paved.