Putin gives Kim Jong Un ‘bonecrusher’ handshake as North Korean leader cowers

Vladimir Putin gave his counterpart Kim Jong-un a “bonecrusher” handshake, leaving the North Korean leader cowering as the pair met for showdown talks in Russia this week. That’s the verdict of Darren Stanton, a behavioural psychologist, who exposed how Kim “couldn’t keep his eyes open” while showing signs of anxiety during the meeting. Kim surprised many observers by making the trip from Pyongyang into Russia where he was greeted by dignitaries and military personnel before meeting Putin. The pair are expected to speak about a variety of topics including arms, the Ukraine war and space – with the first official outing between Putin and Kim happening at the Russian space hub of Vostochny Cosmodrome. Stanton has reviewed the clips of the encounters that have been released by the countries’ state media outlets. The ‘bonecrusher’ handshake Putin offered Kim (Image: GETTY) He said that despite being “short… we can still see a few interesting gestures between the two men”, including the first handshake as Putin leaves a vehicle. In an interview with BitcoinCasinos shared exclusively with Daily Express US, the expert said: “His first move is to advance very closely to Kim and give him a ‘bone crusher’ handshake – a stronger shake than normal to assert authority, something many powerful figures implement – most notably attributed to former President [Donald] Trump during his time in office. “The handshake is a very powerful indicator of how someone is thinking – because it is an opening gesture that acts as a first impression. So from the outset, we could see that Putin has come to talk business and not waste any time.” Later the leaders, both known for their own tyrannical tendencies, shared the platform at a joint press conference where Kim was “sat with one hand resting on the table with his fist clenched”. Kim’s ‘demonstration of anxiety’ while with Putin (Image: GETTY) That stance, Mr Stanton revealed, was “almost a demonstration of anxiety, giving himself reassurance”, adding: “It can also be a sign of impatience as if he does not want to be there. “He also has his right hand in his pocket – a regular gesture for Kim. This is a pacifying gesture or self-reassurance because he does not feel completely confident in his surroundings, or being in the situation.” The meeting comes during a period of crisis for Russia , as its war with Ukraine rumbles on longer than many inside the country believed it would. As well as draining resources inside the nation, the world has reacted with fury, condemning the country, slapping huge sanctions on it and offering other more chilling threats. Reflecting on the meeting, Putin told a reporter that satellites and rockets would be on the agenda of discussions between the countries as it was “exactly why” they had met. He continued: “The leader of North Korea shows great interest in space, in rocketry, and they are trying to develop space. We’ll show our new objects.” Putin also said that “all the issues” would be spoken about “without haste”, likely to include the Ukraine war. It is unclear how long Kim will remain in Russia after he arrived via luxury train on Tuesday. Follow our social media accounts here on   Express US     and @expressusnews