Body language expert explains Zelensky's 'finger purse' gesture during heated argument with Donald Trump
WASHINGTON, DC: Body language expert Inbaal Honigman claimed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s ‘thumb fist’ gesture during his meeting with President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance on Friday, December 28, showed that he was "imploring" them to be more understanding, reported LADbible.
The Oval Office meeting between the leaders was held to discuss a potential rare earth mineral deal between the US and Ukraine, and the security arrangements of the European country amid the ongoing war with Russia.
Interactions soon heated up, as Trump and Vance felt that Zelensky was not being sufficiently grateful to them. It led to the minerals deal being put on ice and Zelensky leaving the White House without a post-meeting press conference.
Expert shares opinion on body language of Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House
As per Inbaal Honigman, Volodymyr Zelensky's appearance after being cornered by Donald Trump and JD Vance in the Oval Office remained ‘diplomatic’ even though he was “not feeling very brave” himself.
"He’s speaking sternly, but his body language is imploring," Honigman said of Zelensky after analyzing clips from the meeting, adding, "Zelensky’s right hand is formed into a ‘thumb fist’, which is a typical diplomatic leader hand gesture.”
“Where a fist would be too militant, a fist with a thumb on top of it is viewed as a softer gesture, asking for help rather than telling the USA to help him,” she continued. “At the same time, his left hand goes across his body, in a protective gesture, so he’s not feeling very brave while he’s arguing,” she remarked.
During his verbal spat with Vance, Zelensky had his palm turned upwards while punctuating his words using his hands, which apparently indicated "openness and honesty.”
"He forms his hand into a 'finger purse' which is a gesture of explaining. He wants to make himself understood,” added Honigman. The act referred to bringing all of one’s fingers together.
Expert claims JD Vance behaved harshly towards Volodymyr Zelensky
In contrast, JD Vance displayed a much more aggressive gesture pointing a finger of blame directly at the Ukrainian President in the Oval Office.
Alongside Trump, Vance had slammed Zelensky for not appearing thankful to them for the military aid received in support of his country's war against Russia.
On the subject of the VP pointing finger at Zelensky, Honigman noted, “This is quite a domineering gesture, like a parent chastising an errant child. World leaders rarely resort to such aggressive gestures, even in disagreements.”
"Following that, Zelenskyy folds his arms and looks away. Both of these are blocking gestures- he is done,” she added.
