Former President Donald Trump’s meeting with Vladimir Putin in Anchorage, Alaska, was supposed to focus on peace in Eastern Europe—but instead, a handshake stole the spotlight.
As the two leaders sat down, Trump was seen yanking Putin’s hand toward him, a gesture many online users immediately labeled as a power move. One viral post read: “President Trump DOES THE YANK HANDSHAKE! He grabbed Putin’s hand! I voted for this!” Another quipped, “Trump just asserted dominance before the meeting even started.”
But behind the theatrics lies a far graver issue. Since returning to the White House in January, the 79-year-old Trump has pressed Putin, now 72, to scale back attacks in Ukraine. Instead, Russia has intensified airstrikes, leaving Trump visibly frustrated.
Speaking to reporters, Trump admitted, “I’ve had a lot of good conversations with him, then I go home and see rockets hitting nursing homes and apartment buildings… so I guess the answer is no.” He framed the crisis as “Biden’s war” but vowed he would be proud to end it.
Asked about consequences if Putin refuses peace talks, Trump warned: “Economically severe. Very severe… I don’t have to say what, but there will be consequences.”
For now, the handshake may have sent a message—but whether it translates into peace remains far from certain.
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