A forensic lip-reading expert deciphered the conversation between Trump and Putin far away from the microphones and how Trump shielded his guest from annoying reporters.
Journalists left Alaska disgruntled after the Trump-Putin summit. Brief statements to the media were all the leaders were willing to say about talks on improving bilateral relations, and especially about ending the war in Ukraine.
According to the British newspaper The Sun, forensic lip reader Nicola Hickling deciphered the words that Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin exchanged when shaking hands immediately upon arrival and before they drove off together in Trump's limousine.
The decrypted conversation adds to the findings that Trump received the guest, for whom the International Criminal Court has issued an arrest warrant for crimes in Ukraine, surprisingly kindly - with a red carpet and military honors.
As he waited for Putin on the carpet in front of his presidential jet, Trump applauded him, and the guest gave him a relaxed thumbs-up. As they shook hands, Trump reportedly said,"You're here, it's great to see you, thank you." Putin replied in English,"Thank you, you too."
Profimedia
The words apparently immediately referred to the main reason for the meeting, the war in Ukraine. Putin reportedly promised Trump:"I'm here to help you," and Trump replied: "I'll help you too."
Putin continued: "I'll finish it if they ask for it. All they have to do is ask." Trump replied: "I hope they want to."
He then urged Putin to get into the 'beast', as the presidential limousine is called, as soon as possible. Trump showed Putin a rare honor."We have to move forward, we still have a long way to go," he reportedly said. He also recommended that Putin shake his hand, as it would make a good impression in front of the cameras. Putin immediately offered his hand.
The two presidents appeared before the cameras again a little later, just before they began talks with their closest aides. Neither of them uttered a word, even though the reporters forced them with loud questions. At one point, Putin grimaced and snapped at one of the reporters:"You have no idea!"
Profimedia
Trump leaned over to his aide and whispered: "He's not okay, we need to get them out of here right now." The media was then ordered out of the room. Three hours of talks followed, but they failed to produce the promised ceasefire agreement in Ukraine.