Body language expert reveals reason Trump didn’t greet Zelenskyy with ‘bone-crusher’ handshake he uses with other leaders

Donald Trump is well known for his aggressive handshake style, often gripping tightly and pulling other leaders toward him as a way of showing dominance. But when Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited the White House on August 18, Trump’s usual “bone-crusher” handshake was nowhere to be seen.

Zelenskyy had arrived in Washington just days after Vladimir Putin traveled to Alaska for talks with Trump about the war in Ukraine. When Trump met Putin, he was seen tugging at his hand while keeping the handshake close to his body — a gesture that body language expert Patti Ann Wood said reflected a mix of power, control, and a sense of familiarity. This style has been one of Trump’s trademarks, often used to unsettle or dominate other world leaders.

But his approach with Zelenskyy this time was very different. According to body language expert Darren Stanton, the key to this shift may have been Zelenskyy’s choice of attire. Instead of wearing his usual military-style clothing, which he had been criticized for in the past, Zelenskyy arrived in a suit. Trump immediately noticed and commented on the change, which appeared to set a more respectful tone for the meeting.

In contrast to their February meeting, when Trump crushed Zelenskyy’s hand, tapped it condescendingly, and even placed a hand on his back to assert control, this time the handshake was measured and equal. Stanton explained that Trump avoided his usual “power-play” moves, making no attempt to belittle or undermine Zelenskyy in front of the cameras. Their exchange suggested a more mutual understanding and even respect between the two leaders.

The lighter atmosphere was clear throughout the meeting. At one point, both men laughed over a moment that tied back to Zelenskyy’s earlier visit, when he had been mocked for not dressing formally enough. Back then, Brian Glenn, a correspondent for Real America’s Voice, had grilled Zelenskyy about whether his casual clothing was disrespectful to Trump.

This time around, after Glenn complimented him by saying he looked “fabulous” in his suit, Zelenskyy delivered a sharp but humorous comeback: “You’re wearing the same suit. I’ve changed, you have not.” The remark quickly spread online as a viral moment, showing Zelenskyy’s wit and confidence in contrast to the criticism he faced before.