US President Donald Trump clapped three times for Russian President Vladimir Putin on a red carpet in Alaska. The applause was broadcast live when Putin landed for their high-stakes meeting. However, the official White House version of the video cuts out the clapping moment.
This small act, now seen worldwide, sparked anger and debate. Critics said Trump showed deference to a man indicted for war crimes. The White House’s attempt to trim the clip only deepened suspicion about its intent.
A Symbolic Gesture?
The applause did not go unnoticed. Russia-born Cold War historian Sergey Radchenko posted a mind-blowing emoji on X, reminding readers of his book in which he argued that Russians crave recognition from the US. “Well, there we have it. There it is,” he wrote. His reaction shows how symbolic gestures can speak louder than policy documents.
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For Putin, wanted by the International Criminal Court, such recognition carried heavy weight. The ICC charged him with the unlawful deportation and transfer of Ukrainian children. Those charges remain active under the Rome Statute.
Edited Clip Sparks Debate
The White House’s edited post added fuel to the fire. In the shorter version shared on Instagram and X, Trump’s left arm was still by his side as the clip began. The missing applause raised questions. Why edit a harmless clap if it meant nothing?
President Donald J. Trump and President Vladimir Putin in Anchorage, Alaska. 🇺🇸🇷🇺 pic.twitter.com/WwYL3DsXLa
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) August 15, 2025
For critics, it looked like an attempt to hide Trump’s warmth toward Putin. That perception overshadowed the official summit agenda.
Putin Claims Deal With Trump
After a three-hour meeting, Putin told reporters he reached an agreement with Trump. He called the talks constructive and useful. He said both sides agreed on a way forward. However, he gave no details. Putin stressed that Ukraine’s security must be ensured.
But he also insisted that the “root cause” of the war should be addressed. He claimed Russia sincerely wanted to end the conflict. In his closing remarks, Putin invoked history, saying both nations had once defeated common enemies together.
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Optics Over Substance
The applauding controversy serves as a reminder that in international diplomacy, appearances often take precedence over content. Even before details of the so-called agreement emerged, Trump’s body language took centre stage. The trimmed video reinforced that perception. Instead of clarity, it left space for doubt and suspicion.
Where It Leaves Ukraine?
The Alaska summit ended with more questions than answers. Putin celebrated a symbolic victory. Trump was criticized for the modified video and his actions. Although both leaders mentioned peace, Ukraine’s future is still up in the air.
Actions are just as important in diplomacy as words. And in this case, a few claps may echo far longer than a closed-door deal.
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