'I'm a body language expert - this is 1 giveaway from Trump summit that Putin's not well'

Vladimir Putin put on a "dominant" display when he met Donald Trump in Alaska yesterday - but his outward confidence masked key signs that he is not a well man, a body language expert has said. The two leaders talked behind closed doors for more than three hours yesterday about the war in Ukraine, with world leaders and media eagerly awaiting the outcome.

But body language expert Darren Stanton suggests their non-verbal interactions may be more telling than what was actually said at a press conference after their discussion. Mr Trump greeted Mr Putin warmly upon his arrival, employing a firm handshake and subtly pulling him slightly forward, Mr Stanton pointed out. He described the move as characteristic of Mr Trump's style, telling Express.co.uk: "He tapped Mr Putin's hand a few times, as if to say, 'good boy.'

"It's almost a condescending gesture, something he frequently does with other politicians."

When gesturing towards his presidential limousine, Mr Trump placed his hand on Mr Putin's back, another move Mr Stanton said signalled, "you are on my turf, you are on my terms."

Mr Putin's "physical presentation" was notable, Mr Stanton pointed out, in particular his "laboured" walk from the plane, with suggestions that he was carrying a limp, and apparent pause midway down the stairs as he exited.

He said: "These are subtle cues, but in body language, they are significant", emphasising that even small hesitations or pauses can indicate discomfort or physical strain.

Once seated together, the two leaders exhibited matching and mirroring behaviour, adopting similar postures, Mr Stanton continued.

The pair had "shared each other's stance and hand positions," he said, with Mr Trump often using a "reverse steeple" gesture, interlocking his fingers to convey power and control.

Mr Stanton stressed: "Mr Putin mirrored that gesture, showing authority as well," Mr Stanton said.

Both leaders also spread their legs while standing, a posture signalling dominance and presence.

Mr Stanton specifically highlighted what he called Putin's "microexpressions".

He said: "Microexpressions are universal. They reveal one of seven emotions: happiness, sadness, anger, fear, surprise, contempt, or disgust.

"I saw elements that Mr Putin was in pain, both while walking and when they briefly stood on the podium for photographs.

"He moved with the measured, controlled style expected of someone trained in the KGB. But the microexpressions revealed a different story-he is not well. There were subtle signs of pain in his facial expressions and movements, even as he projected authority."

Such involuntary expressions, Mr Stanton argued, are difficult to mask, even for highly trained political figures.

Despite Mr Trump's experience in such encounters, Mr Stanton said Mr Putin maintained control of the summit.

He said: "He conceded nothing. Everything was on his terms," Mr Stanton said. He added that Mr Trump allowed Mr Putin extended monologues of around 15 minutes, during which Mr Stanton observed Mr Trump tapping the podium, a clear sign of impatience.

Regarding the overall impression, Mr Stanton said Mr Putin displayed his trademark composure.

The summit, held at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, concluded without a formal deal and Mr Stanton emphasised that the body language told more than the words.

He concluded: "From a power dynamic standpoint, Mr Putin appeared dominant. But the subtle cues, especially in his expressions and physical movement, indicate he is experiencing discomfort or health issues."