Zelensky thanked Trump over 10 times to win him over during White House meeting in dramatic tone shift

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met at the White House on Monday, August 18, and showed different behavior from their last Oval Office meeting back in February. 

Body language expert Judi James told the Daily Mail that Trump's greeting toward Zelensky signaled an air of agreeable friendship as he cocked his head to signal agreeableness and a desire to listen.

Zelensky's body language suggested high levels of agreeability

Judi James told the outlet, "This time he kept their bodies close as they both shook and posed, to suggest an intention of unity that was missing from the last visit."

"His thumb was cocked as he held his hand out for the shake, suggesting a positive mood, and he added an arm pat to register some form of friendship," she added.

James further noted that Zelensky's body language exhibited high levels of agreeability, which he had not shown before, as he placed his left hand over the hand clasp with Trump, indicating a desire for unity.

Moreover, Trump placed an arm around Zelensky's back as they posed for the cameras while his fingers draped across his neck.

"This is a paternal grip that could feel threatening, so levels of trust were maybe being established. There was a pat on Zelensky's back before Trump ushered him inside," the body language expert said.

She added, "Trump used these touches and pats to register a kind of paternal seniority over Zelensky."

Both men smiled for the cameras with a "closed lip mouth-shrug smile," James said, as she suggested a desire to smile and also signal potential difficulties ahead.

Trump and Zelensky spoke warmly while talking about the POTUS' efforts to negotiate a peace deal after Trump met with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday.

James added that both leaders showed that they wanted the meeting to be more cordial than their first meeting in February.

"Zelensky mimicked Trump's classic pose, or splayed knees and hands clasped between them in a downward steeple gesture, suggesting like-minded thinking," she said.

Moreover, Zelensky apparently repeatedly thanked Trump and the American people over 10 times for their support and their efforts to end the war.

Having been accused of ingratitude by Trump in February, the Ukrainian leader opted for an overly gracious stance as he used the words "thank you" on constant repeat on at least 10 occasions on Monday.

He also thanked the press when they "asked killer questions," as per James. 

The meeting between Trump and Zelensky in February deteriorated into a public confrontation. Trump and Vice President JD Vance criticized Zelensky for perceived ingratitude and demanded immediate concessions, pressing for a ceasefire without preconditions. 

Meanwhile, Zelensky resisted and cited mistrust of Russian commitments. The meeting ended abruptly without agreement or any signing, and Zelensky departed before a planned press conference.

Internet reacts to Zelensky and Trump's demeanor during Oval Office meeting

Several internet users reacted as Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky met at the White House on Monday, which came almost six months after their fiery Oval Office clash. 

An online comment read, "I’m so glad Trump was more respectful to Zelensky this visit," while one added, "At least Zelensky has learnt to behave himself…"

On the other hand, a Trump detractor said, "You can get practically anything from Trump if you compliment him and fawn all over him. Ask Putin," and one more remarked, "Treat Trump like a spoilt child, compliment him for minimal achievements, every European leader knows to do this. Issue is, so does Putin. Trump doesn't, nor do his cult followers."

On X (formerly Twitter), a person wrote, "It's great to see leaders showing appreciation for support during tough times. A little gratitude goes a long way!"

One hoped, "They talked to each other politely, it appears. Hope something good comes out of it," while another said, "Well they all recognize greatness when they see it, just like a majority of voters."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.