Overview

• The summit at Elmendorf-Richardson opened with genuine smiles but ended without a ceasefire or any concrete agreement on Ukraine.
• Excluding Ukraine and NATO partners from the meeting has drawn criticism for potentially legitimizing Russian gains without Kyiv’s input.
• Dr. Peter Collett, Greg Hartley and Patti Wood identified power plays in handshake interactions, from competing hand pats to Trump’s guiding hand behind Putin’s back.
• Putin’s wider seated posture and Trump’s increased blink rate, gaze avoidance and pursed lips were cited as signs of Russian dominance and American tension.
• The White House plans consultations with President Zelenskyy, NATO and EU leaders to address allied concerns but no new diplomatic breakthroughs have been reported.