In a video that garnered thousands of views and likes on X, Zelensky can be seen sitting beside Trump while making a series of striking facial movements: eyebrow raises, pronounced eye widening, sideways glances, frequent blinking, and what appeared to be attempts to communicate with someone off-camera. An extensive search across social media revealed hundreds of comments, shortened video clips, and various analyses in which users noted the strange expressions, nose touching, and rocking in his chair.
Pro-Russian accounts amplified distribution of the videos, while others emphasized the pressure the Ukrainian president is under. The discussion featured a wide range of theories and explanations regarding his behavior during the event.
Critics raised claims that Zelensky appeared to be under the influence of drugs or disconnected, pointing to frequent blinking and nose touching. Similar allegations have circulated in previous years without solid evidence or official medical examinations.
Supporters and neutral analysts, however, attributed the behavior to extreme fatigue, heavy political pressure, and sleep deprivation resulting from managing a prolonged war and multiple flights. Additional explanations included the possibility of discomfort or quiet disagreement with Trump's statements about potential deals.
