Body Language and Behavior Analysis No. 4785: Vladimir Putin Asked, "Will you stop killing civilians?"

Nonverbal and Emotional Intelligence

Today Donald Trump met with Vladimir Putin at Joint Base Elmendorf–Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska. On the Tarmac, just after they met, Putin was asked by a reporter, "President Putin, will you stop killing civilians?"

What follows is a body language and behavior analysis of this moment.

After hearing the question, Putin immediately gestures with his right index finger to his right cheek (at or near his zygomatic arch "cheekbone"). He did not tap or touch his ear as has been stated in multiple sources.

Simultaneously, he displayed a pout (false pout) expression (often associated with Benito Mussolini, a common default of his) which includes protruding lips (lower >> upper), flared nostrils, mustache area tightening, raising his eyebrows, and an elevated forehead.

Putin also looked down and to his right, away from the reporter asking the question (diminished eye contact).

This overlaps with/was closely followed by a bilateral shoulder shrug – with both of his hands in a palms-up configuration – as if to say, "It's out of my control", "What can I do?", "I don't know. Maybe."

This cluster of nonverbal behaviors, most notably his false-pout, is a thinly veiled attempt of Putin trying to say, "I don't understand" ("I don't speak English, so I can't answer").

But Putin not only understands English, he speaks it – both are basic requirements for the KGB/FSB. Moreover, Putin immediately has a brief verbal exchange with Trump.

While we don't know what they said to each other, the final frame of this clip shows Trump's asymmetric pseudo-smile. This particular configuration highly correlates with braggadocio, machismo, and false-bravado.

In the context of the question asked, Trump enjoyed the thought of killing civilians.

SUMMARY: Vladimir Putin feigns he doesn't understand or speak English – in response to the question, "Mr. Putin, will you stop killing civilians?"

His nonverbal behavior verifies he fully intends to continue killing Ukrainian civilians.

While a body language analysis of this exchange isn't needed to verify this (recent history demonstrates innumerable examples of his intentions), it is highly-consistent with Putin's sociopathy/ psychopathy (ASPD).

Moreover, Donald Trump reveled in the question asked to Putin regarding killing civilians.

Inquiries regarding consulting, teaching (online or in-person, one-on-one or to groups), keynotes, and press: Jack@BodyLanguageSuccess.com

Ω