A body language expert has suggested that Vladimir Putin's unusually cordial reception for Donald Trump's envoys in Moscow indicates the Russian and American sides are well aligned on their goals for Ukraine. The analysis follows a high-stakes meeting this week aimed at forging a new peace plan to end the ongoing war.
The Missing 'Power Play' Technique
Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, the US President's son-in-law, arrived in Moscow on Tuesday for critical negotiations with Russian officials. Notably, Putin chose not to deploy his signature psychological tactic: the notoriously large boardroom table used to physically and psychologically distance visitors.
Speaking to the Mirror, expert Judi James highlighted the significance of this omission. "There is one core power play technique that Putin is not using here," she said. The typical setup would force guests to sit so far apart they "would almost need megaphones to talk," putting them at a huge psychological disadvantage. Instead, she described the arrangement as "relatively intimate and cordial."
Signals of Geniality and a Caveat
The seating further suggested a lack of confrontation. While Putin sat directly across from Witkoff, both were positioned in the middle of the table, not at opposing ends. "This again suggests Putin is not trying to power-broke here," James observed.
Non-verbal cues reportedly pointed to a positive atmosphere. "Witkoff's features are wreathed with crinkling that creates friendly-looking smiles," James noted. Putin's own demeanour, with rounded cheeks and crinkled eyes, suggested a "mellow and amiable mood."
However, James issued a stark warning, reminding observers that the former KGB officer is known for deliberately misleading body language. She referenced his famously friendly 2025 summit with Trump in Alaska, where the warm rapport ultimately "had little bearing on the outcome."
Long Talks and Cautious Optimism
The peace negotiations, which involved Putin's foreign policy advisor Kirill Dmitriev, extended for hours, concluding after midnight local time. Despite the convivial setting observed by experts, officials remained tight-lipped on specifics. Dmitriev would only state that the talks had been "productive."
The red-carpet treatment for the US delegation, including a lengthy wait and an upscale lunch, combined with the analysed body language, has led experts to infer a significant meeting of minds. The decision to forgo established power plays is being interpreted as a clear signal that, on the issue of Ukraine, Trump and Putin may have found substantial common ground.
