Executive Summary: Body language expert Mary Civiello has analyzed footage from the August 15 Trump-Putin summit in Alaska, highlighting involuntary leg twitching by Russian President Vladimir Putin. This observation has reignited longstanding concerns about Putin’s health during a high-stakes meeting focused on Ukraine ceasefire negotiations.
Who: The primary figures are Russian President Vladimir Putin and former U.S. President Donald Trump, observed during their bilateral summit. Body language specialist Mary Civiello provided analysis for CNN, interpreting non-verbal cues from both leaders during their interactions at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson.
What: Video footage captured Putin exhibiting repeated leg twitches while seated beside Trump during their August 15 meeting. Civiello characterized the movements as involuntary neuromuscular responses distinct from typical conscious gestures. The analysis suggests possible physical discomfort or stress indicators, contrasting with Putin’s otherwise controlled demeanor during the diplomatic engagement.
When: The summit occurred on Friday, August 15, 2025, with the body language analysis published by CNN on Sunday, August 17. The specific twitching incident happened during afternoon discussions about Ukraine, approximately 90 minutes into the leaders’ face-to-face meeting without aides present.
Where: The incident occurred in Anchorage, Alaska, at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson. This neutral location was selected for the rare meeting between the former and current heads of nuclear powers. The base’s secure conference facilities provided the setting where cameras captured the lower-body movements during seated discussions.
Why: This observation fuels ongoing speculation about Putin’s physical condition, which has circulated among intelligence agencies for nearly three years. The analysis emerged amid heightened scrutiny of Putin’s capacity to negotiate complex geopolitical issues, particularly regarding Ukraine. Health concerns could impact perceptions of leadership stability during sensitive diplomatic talks.
How: High-definition pool cameras documented subtle leg vibrations beneath the conference table during policy discussions. Civiello noted the movements occurred independently of Putin’s upper-body gestures and facial expressions. Technical analysis compared footage from multiple angles to rule out camera artifacts or seating vibrations, confirming the movements originated from Putin.
Impact: The observations could affect diplomatic calculations regarding Putin’s personal participation in future negotiations. Some analysts suggest physical manifestations might indicate increased pressure as Russia faces military challenges in Ukraine. The Kremlin has consistently dismissed health rumors, but such visible incidents complicate their narrative of Putin’s unwavering control.
What’s Next: Medical experts anticipate increased scrutiny of Putin’s public appearances for similar symptoms. Diplomatic sources suggest future summits may feature modified seating arrangements or shorter sessions. The incident has already prompted discussion about contingency planning among NATO allies regarding potential Russian leadership transitions.