Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni appeared to scowl and look away as she listened to Donald Trump at the G7 summit on Tuesday. The US President began telling the other leaders of the UFC event held for his birthday at the White House over the weekend.
While others humoured him and listened while smiling, including French President Emmanuel Macron, Ms Meloni appeared disengaged and looked away from the group. The world leaders are in Evian-les-Bains, a French spa town, for the three-day summit, where a tentative deal to end the Iran war has been a prominent topic thus far.
They have so far been in challenging discussions about ending Russia’s war in Ukraine and will address the Middle East crisis.
Today’s meeting with Volodymyr Zelensky lasted an hour and 15 minutes, focusing on how to “build peace and security for Ukraine and Europe”, the organisers of the summit said.
Mr Trump said he wants to focus on Ukraine, adding that the issue of Iran will soon be “back in the rear view mirror”.
He said: “The whole thing is ridiculous. So, yeah, I’m going to do whatever I can.”
Mr Trump also held a bilateral meeting with Mr Macron on Monday, where the French President said European forces are ready to deploy in the Strait of Hormuz.
During this meeting, the US President was accused of “losing his voice” as he struggled to speak live on camera.
He held his hand at almost a vertical angle as he shook hands with his French counterpart, and eagle-eyed fans were sure they spotted dark bruises spreading across it.
One X user wrote: “Wait a minute, What kind of diplomatic handshake is this? Can someone explain it to me?” Another echoed: “Hiding that hand for his dear life.”
Somebody else said: “His eyes are barely open. He looks like he needs a nap more than usual.” Another commented: “Buddy is about to fall asleep standing.”
