People were eager to hear what was said when Donald Trump met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on April 26. Since becoming the 47th U.S. President, Trump has focused heavily on Ukraine.
The two met at Pope Francis’s burial in Vatican City, appearing “bent over in their chairs,” suggesting a serious talk. Their relationship had been tense after Zelensky was criticized for showing “little regard for the United States,” but body language expert Judi James said this meeting showed a “phenomenally intense” exchange, like “two men hunched over a game of chess.” She added, “the close proximity… seems to weigh the balance in the direction of moving to agreement.”
James noted Trump’s “clasped hands” and “lips pursed” suggested he wanted to “listen,” while Zelensky’s “cupped hands” and “raised brows” showed a desire to persuade.
Afterward, both leaders described the meeting as positive. Zelensky wrote, “Good meeting. Hoping for results on everything we covered,” calling it a “very symbolic meeting.” Trump, meanwhile, criticized Putin’s recent attacks, saying, “Too many people are dying!!!” and warned, “No matter what deal I make… The Failing New York Times will speak BADLY of it.”