A lip-reading expert has divulged the details of the quiet words exchanged between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin on the airport tarmac as they met to discuss the resolution of the Ukraine conflict.
The two leaders shook hands for the first time in six years on Friday during a significant moment at Elmendorf Air Force Base in Anchorage, Alaska, before joining the same motorcade to commence the pivotal discussions.
In a scene observed internationally, Trump, aged 79, stood with anticipation on the red carpet as he awaited the arrival of his 72-year-old Russian counterpart, who was descending from his aircraft in the frontier state.
The U.S. President appeared slightly restless, with a lip reader noting that the first word of their encounter was Trump saying: ‘Finally,’ as reported by the Daily Mail.
As they shook hands, Trump said: ‘You made it, fantastic to see you and appreciated.’
The lip reader told the Daily Mail that the two presidents both promised to ‘help’ each other during the cordial greeting.
‘Thank you, and you. I am here to help you,’ Putin replied.
Trump jovially responded: ‘I’ll help you.’
Presidents Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin seemed to agree on cooperating to reach a resolution on Ukraine as they spoke quietly on the tarmac on Friday.
‘You made it, fantastic to see you and appreciated,’ Trump said, according to a lip reader
Putin then reportedly told Trump he ‘will bring it to a rest’ if asked.
‘All they need is to ask,’ he said.
‘I hope it does,’ Trump continued, before proceeding towards their vehicle and adding: ‘Let’s get straight into the car. We need to focus on this. I am aware of the seriousness, it’s quite prolonged. What a journey it has been.’
Trump then asked the Russian leader if he wanted the ‘scoop,’ to which Putin replied: ‘Give me the scoop.’
‘It’s cargo fuel,’ he replied. It’s unclear what exactly they were discussing.
After stepping up to the podium, Trump instructed Putin to shake his hand because it ‘gives a good impression’.
Putin nodded and stuck out his hand. ‘Thank you,’ he replied.
During the brief moment on the podium, the Russian leader ignored journalists’ questions about Ukraine and the killing of civilians.
The two leaders shook hands for the first time in six years today. Putin then reportedly told Trump he ‘will bring it to a rest’ if asked
The two leaders got into a waiting vehicle together and were seen smiling inside as they drove to a separate building for the meeting.
Moments before Trump’s plane touched down, the White House announced the planned one-on-one meeting between the world leaders was off the table.
Putin and Trump are instead holding talks with two of their top aides.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio and US Ambassador Steve Witkoff are joining Trump during his formal discussions with Putin.
On his way to Anchorage, Trump told reporters his goal was to ‘stop the killing,’ but that he didn’t know how long it would take to get a ceasefire deal over the line.
‘I don’t know if it’s going to be today,’ Trump admitted on Air Force One. ‘But I’m not going to be happy if it’s not today. Everyone said it can’t be today – but I want the killing to stop.’
Days ago, Trump warned Putin ‘there will be very severe consequences’ if Russia does not agree to stop the war in Ukraine after their meeting.
The US President took a tougher tone Friday saying he was yet to be convinced he would be able to persuade Putin to stop killing civilians.
European leaders also said Trump had agreed to make an immediate ceasefire at the start of negotiations a priority – something that will be painful for Moscow which is gaining territory by the day.
Days ago, Trump warned Putin ‘there will be very severe consequences’ if Russia does not agree to stop the war in Ukraine after their meeting (pictured: Ukraine on Friday)
Trump said if he ‘doesn’t get the answers’ he needs on Friday ‘then we’re not going to have a second meeting’
Trump said that if he ‘doesn’t get the answers’ he needs Friday ‘then we’re not going to have a second meeting’.
In that scenario, Trump said Russia would face ‘consequences’.
When asked if this would be sanctions or tariffs, Trump said: ‘I don’t have to say. There will be very severe consequences.’
But he said he hoped there would be a ‘quick second meeting’ following the summit between Putin, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky – ‘and myself if they’d like to have me there’.
