The day began “in a cheerful atmosphere” when Trump welcomed Putin with his inherent theatricality, applauded him at the airport and patted him on the arm during the greeting. The publication notes that the heat of greeting caused shock in Ukraine and Europe, partly because it contrasted sharply with the reception that Ukrainian president Vladimir Zelensky received in the White House in February.
A few hours before the summit, Trump expressed optimism about the fact that he would be able to reach an agreement that would bring the world to Ukraine.
However, during a joint performance, which the journalists called awkward, Trump was “unusually concise and looked depressed,” the publication said. Trump, who often answers the questions of journalists for more than four minutes, after which he quickly got off the stage without answering questions.
Although, during a joint performance with Putin, Trump tried to give the events of the day a successful shade, saying that “great progress” was reached, but discontent was visible on his face, the article said.
Putin seemed to enjoy the greeting until he ran into the press, the article said. The publication explained that in Russia Putin’s press conferences are carefully directed, and journalists usually undergo preliminary selection. Therefore, he looked clearly awkward when reporters asked questions before the negotiations, including the death of civilians in Ukraine.
The publication notes that Russian propaganda hid this change in the tone of the meeting and continued to emphasize Trump Putin's “warm welcome”.
Context
On August 15, the seventh meeting of Trump and Putin took place in Alaska. The US President met Putin at the Elmandorf air base. Negotiations began at 22.00 in Kyiv and lasted about three hours.
The US President said before the negotiations that he wanted to achieve a ceasefire in the Russian-Ukrainian war and “will not be satisfied if this does not happen” during the summit. After negotiations with Putin, he did not report to achieve such an agreement. “There is no agreement until it is concluded,” Trump said.
On the morning of August 16, the White House said that Trump after negotiations with Putin phoned the President of Ukraine Vladimir Zelensky, as well as With the leaders of NATO countries.
