The Hidden Secret Behind Putin’s Stiff Arm During His Trump Meeting Revealed
Ever noticed how Vladimir Putin walks like he’s got one arm auditioning for a slow-motion action movie while the other just chills by his side? It’s not just an odd quirk — turns out, there’s a whole backstory wrapped up in Soviet spy lore and KGB training manuals. Last week, as Putin strutted into Alaska to meet Donald Trump for some high-stakes Ukraine ceasefire talks, the world got a front-row seat not just to politics, but to what experts have dubbed the ‘gunslinger’s gait.’ Think about it — a KGB secret handshake for walking, all to keep that right hand ready to draw a weapon at a moment’s notice. Now, if only negotiating peace was as straightforward as deciphering a walk! Curious to dive deeper into this curious stride and what it might mean in the grand chess game of global diplomacy? LEARN MORE.
If you have watched Vladimir Putin walk then you might have noticed he swings one of his arms much more than he does the other.
The Russian leader was in Alaska last week to meet with US President Donald Trump for discussions over a possible ceasefire in Ukraine, though talks failed to provide any concrete results.
According to a body language expert, Trump greeted Putin like a ‘celebrity’ when he arrived in Alaska but was sterner later on during the summit.
Footage of Putin and Trump walking together shows the Russian leader with his left arm swinging in time with his steps while his right arm is mostly kept down by his side and doesn’t move anywhere near as much.
A team of experts reckon they’ve worked out the reason why Putin regularly walks like this, as the same step has been observed on plenty of other occasions.
A study from a group of neurologists published back in 2015 called the strange way Putin walks and keeps one arm by his side the ‘gunslinger’s gait’.
You can see the odd way Putin walks in the video below:
The researchers suggested it comes from KGB training, which Putin would have picked up when he worked for the Soviet spy agency, and a KGB manual laid out how to walk like this.
The researchers explained: “According to this manual, KGB operatives were instructed to keep their weapon in their right hand close to their chest and to move forward with one side, usually the left, presumably allowing subjects to draw the gun as quickly as possible when confronted with a foe.”
Studying various other Russian figures they found that many of them walked with the ‘gunslinger’s gait’, particularly if they’d had KGB training in the past.
Putin worked for the KGB for 16 years before retiring to get into politics.
Plenty have noticed his right arm doesn’t move as much (Contributor/Getty Images)
As for what happened at the meeting, Putin has reportedly laid down his conditions for stopping his invasion of Ukraine.
The Russian leader has called for Ukraine to officially cede the territories of Donetsk and Luhansk to him, sources have claimed.
In the three years since Russia invaded, it has occupied around 70 percent of Donetsk and nearly all of Luhansk, but his conditions would mean Ukraine giving Russia territory it has not managed to occupy.
Many political commentators have noted this is a bitter pill Zelenskyy is unlikely to swallow, as he’s due to meet with Trump later today (18 August).
RIVER OF GOODS Stained Glass Bird Accent Lamp - 8" W x 13.5" H - Tiffany Style Table Lamps for Home, Office Desk, Bedroom, Nightstand - Blue Jay Decor
$78.99 (as of October 27, 2025 18:42 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Supa Ant 6x8ft. Welding Blanket Fireproof (Pack of 2) - Heavy Duty Weld Fire Blanket Tools - Welders Cover for Men Curtain with Gloves - Large Welding Gear for Welder Accessories
$59.96 (as of October 27, 2025 18:42 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
SkaterTrainers- Skateboard Tricks Fast No Experience Needed- Fun, Safe, and Easy- Ollies, Kickflips and More- All Ages- Accessories Make Great Stocking Stuffers Gifts for Teen Boys and Girls
$26.00 (as of October 27, 2025 18:42 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Supa Ant Fire Safety Ball as Fire Blanket for Home and Kitchen – Fire Protection Device for House, Office, Garage, Car
(as of October 27, 2025 18:42 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
