The stage is set for a tense and potentially historic encounter.
This Friday, in the stark and icy backdrop of Alaska, Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin will meet face-to-face for the first time since 2019.
It’s not just a casual diplomatic catch-up — the stakes couldn’t be higher.
With two U.S. nuclear submarines reportedly heading toward Russia, Moscow issuing dark warnings about doomsday weapons, and Trump demanding an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine, both leaders will be on high alert, carefully reading each other for any sign of weakness.
Body Language Will Speak Louder Than Words
While the political agenda is urgent, body language expert Judi James believes what happens between the lines might be just as telling.
She suggests that Trump’s secret weapon could be humor — a tactic to throw Putin off balance and undercut his authority.
According to James, Putin is comfortable with cold, formal greetings, but less immune to a well-timed joke designed to belittle him.
Trump and Putin have met six times before, and in the early days, their encounters had the feel of an exclusive “global alpha men’s club.”
But over time, James says, Putin stepped away from the so-called bromance, leaving Trump frustrated.
“Trump’s meetings with Putin operate on a visceral level rather than an intellectual one,” she explains, describing them as an ongoing battle of strength, dominance, and mutual respect.
The challenge for Trump now? Facing a leader who has mastered the same game.
2017: The Awkward First Meeting in Hamburg
Their first official encounter at the G20 summit in Hamburg was far from warm.
Both men seemed to be making an effort to appear distant.
Trump sat forward on the edge of his chair, shoulders slumped, jacket rippling behind his neck. Then came his first “power moves.”
First, Trump acted disinterested — blinking slowly, glancing around the room rather than at Putin.
Then, he extended his hand in what’s known as a “hand platter” shake, palm up.
This forced Putin to lean forward and place his hand on top of Trump’s, allowing Trump to dictate the handshake’s length.
During the photo op, Putin appeared compliant, looking down with a grim expression. Trump repeated the handshake power play, reinforcing who was in control.
2018: A Tense Dance in Helsinki
The next year in Helsinki, the two held a lengthy closed-door meeting before facing the press together.
In a move that sparked controversy, Trump publicly suggested he saw “no reason” Russia would have interfered in the 2016 U.S. election — contradicting U.S. intelligence agencies.
Body language told its own story. At first, they appeared united, standing side-by-side with puffed chests like comic book heroes.
But James spotted a dramatic shift in Putin’s demeanor — his relaxed confidence vanished.
The handshake this time was straightforward, palm inward, but the mood was tense.
They locked eyes like boxers before a fight, lips pressed tight. Trump’s grip turned his knuckles white, but Putin kept one hand gripping his chair, avoiding being pulled forward.
When Putin gifted Trump a soccer ball, Trump accepted it stiffly before tossing it to Melania.
2019: A Friendly Front in Osaka
Their last in-person meeting in Osaka suggested the bromance was still alive — at least on the surface.
Trump greeted Putin with open arms, as if seeing an old friend.
But James noticed the lack of mirrored body language: Putin remained upright and formal, while Trump looked more relaxed.
Trump again tried his trademark “shake and yank” handshake to pull Putin toward him, but Putin held his ground.
Still, both men smiled, signaling familiarity. Putin even joked with Trump in English, while Trump seemed to enjoy the exchange, making small “preening” gestures.
James concludes that while Trump thrives on physical dominance tactics — the firm grips, the back pats — they carry little long-term significance for Putin, who plays a longer and more strategic game.
What Happens Next?
As Friday approaches, all eyes will be on Alaska.
Will Trump lean on humor to win an edge, or will Putin’s unflappable composure hold firm? With war in Ukraine, nuclear threats, and personal pride all in the mix, this won’t just be a political meeting — it will be a psychological battle.
