'Nervous' Putin asks Kim Jong-un 'permission' to speak as power dynamic laid bare

 Russian despot Vladimir Putin appeared 'nervous' during his meeting with Kim Jong-un in Beijing and even had to ask permission to speak, according to a body language expert.

The two met in the Chinese capital as guests of Premier Xi Jinping in a parade on Wednesday marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.

Speaking in front of journalists as the talks began, Putin praised the bravery and heroism of North Korean soldiers who fought alongside Moscow’s troops to repel a Ukrainian incursion into Russia’s Kursk border region.

Examining footage of the meeting, body language expert Judi James came to some interesting conclusions about the dynamics between the two political giants.

To her, Putin appeared subdued and even had to ask permission from Jong-un to speak. She told Mirror.com: "In the meeting room it is Putin appearing to 'play small' in terms of power and status signals, non-verbally gifting all the might and alpha profile to Kim Jong-un.

"As Jong-un sits splayed and open in his chair, adopting a pose of confidence and power, with a very symmetric, still pose, Putin adopts the signals of a more compliant and submissive man.

"Putin clears his throat as though nervous, leaning forward with his hands clasped and a solemn facial expression. He is very careful to 'ask' permission to speak first, holding both hands out to gain a nod from Jung-un before he starts."

According to South Korean assessments, North Korea has sent around 15,000 troops to Russia since last year. It has also sent large quantities of military equipment, including ballistic missiles and artillery, to help fuel Putin’s three-year invasion of Ukraine.

Many experts see North Korean support as key to Russia's current successes on the battlefield.

James says Putin's submissive performance could be a play from the canny Russian leader.

She continued: "Putin leans onto the arm of his chair in an asymmetric pose and there are several gestures normally associated with anxiety, like a pulling of his cuff, a small tongue-poke and then he holds his own wrist in a 'closed' gesture.

After the conference, there was a noticeable change in Putin's demenour. James said: "When the two men leave the room Putin is suddenly full of energy and confidence though, taking the lead role again. He and Jong-un walk along chuckling and laughing like friends with Putin suddenly taking over the power role by ushering and directing Jung-un into the room to have their official photo taken."

Putin and Kim traveled from a formal reception to the negotiations in the same car, the Kremlin said in a post on social media. After a bilateral meeting between Russian and North Korean delegations, the two leaders held a one-on-one meeting, the Kremlin said. Putin also invited Kim to visit Russia again, following on from the North Korean leader’s last visit to the country in 2023.

Speaking in front of journalists as the talks began, Putin praised the bravery and heroism of North Korean soldiers who fought alongside Moscow’s troops to repel a Ukrainian incursion into Russia’s Kursk border region.

According to South Korean assessments, North Korea has sent around 15,000 troops to Russia since last year. It has also sent large quantities of military equipment, including ballistic missiles and artillery, to help fuel Putin’s three-year invasion of Ukraine.