A body language expert has analyzed what Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy thinks of Donald Trump amid his sudden change of heart.
Donald Trump has been active in the war in Ukraine in the sense he has repeatedly made mention that he wants to put an end to it.
However, the American leader’s relationship with Volodymr Zelenskyy has been less than breezy.
Earlier this year in February, Zelenskyy visited the White House and the pair got heated over what was seen as a lack of respect toward the US, and also his choice of clothing.
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The Ukrainian leader then challenged Vance to visit Ukraine and put themselves in their shoes, and Trump seemed to take issue with this comment and snapped and Zelenskyy.
From there, it seemed like things could only get worse, but instead - Trump began to push forward with helping Ukraine after welcoming European leaders to the White House to create a plan of action.
But nobody could have expected how much Trump would side with Ukraine in recent days.
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Speaking in light of the UN General Assembly in New York, he stated that Kyiv can win its war against Russia, and also recover any land lost.
The Truth Social post was unlike one he’d ever published before, and it came right after he met with Zelenskyy.
As to why he thinks this way, he said 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 while Trump has changed his tone on Ukraine, has Zelenskyy warmed up to Trump in response?
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According to body language expert Beth Dawson, their meeting was very telling.
She said that while Trump sat in a very authoritative stance, ‘Zelensky’s body language is very different'.
She said: “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.’”
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She explained his face showed ‘micro expressions of nervousness’ such as ‘tight lips, shifting eyes’ and it suggests he’s 'holding his emotions in check in front of a stronger counterpart and a global audience'.
Zelenskyy can also be seen turning his body often to look toward Trump, which she says signals ‘attentiveness, respect, and a strong wish to connect'.
Then, at certain moments, he uses non-verbal cues which show he wishes to connect with the leader.
She said: “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.”
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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.”
When combining everything she saw, it gives her the impression he is ‘working hard to close the gap’.
She revealed: "Zelensky, almost insistently, pushes to connect and close the distance.”
Maybe they're bridging the gap?
Topics: Donald Trump, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Politics, Ukraine, US News, Russia
Britt Jones