ANCHORAGE, ALASKA – As President Donald Trump and President Vladimir Putin met in person for the first time in six years, a lip reader analyzed their exchange on the tarmac at Elmendorf Air Force Base in Anchorage, Alaska. The analysis, reported by The Daily Mail, provides insight into the brief, unmic’d conversation between the two leaders before their high-stakes summit on the Ukraine war.
According to the lip reader, Trump’s first word after shaking hands with Putin was “Finally,” indicating a sense of impatience. The US President then reportedly said, “You made it, fantastic to see you, and appreciated.”
In response, Putin is said to have replied, “Thank you, and you. I am here to help you.” Trump then reportedly reciprocated, expressing his own desire to help. The lip reader claims Putin also said he “will bring it to a rest,” potentially referring to the Ukraine conflict, with Trump responding, “I hope it does.”
A Limousine Ride and a “Scoop”
The conversation reportedly continued as the leaders headed toward a limousine. The lip reader’s analysis suggests Trump’s frustration with the length of the journey and the severity of the situation. He reportedly said, “Come on, let’s get straight into the vehicle. We need to move forward, both giving it attention. I know this is serious; it’s quite long. What a journey it is.”
In a more curious moment, the lip reader claims Putin asked Trump to “Give me the scoop.” While the context is unclear, Trump’s reported response of, “It’s cargo fuel,” has led to speculation about what the two might have been discussing before their official talks began. The lip reader also noted that Trump instructed Putin to shake his hand for the cameras, telling him it “gives a good impression.”
The details, if accurate, point to a personal rapport between the two leaders despite the high-stakes agenda of their meeting. During a brief press opportunity on the tarmac, when a reporter asked Putin, “When will you stop killing civilians?” the Russian president simply shrugged and gestured that he couldn’t hear the question.