Donald Trump appears to have “painted” over his “bruised hand” ahead of his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Sunday.
The US President was pictured outside his Florida residence with what appeared to be heavy makeup covering his hand as he met Zelensky to discuss a 20-point peace plan to end the war in Ukraine. The 79-year-old has previously been pictured with plasters and makeup to cover his hand, sparking concerns about his health. The White House has long attributed any bruising to “constant” handshaking.
Earlier this month, on December 11, the White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt reiterated a response from months prior, after a plaster on the back of Trump’s hand triggered speculation once again.
“As for the bandages on the hand, we’ve also given you an explanation for that,” Leavitt told reporters. “The president is literally constantly shaking hands.”
“He’s also on a daily aspirin regimen, which is something his physical examinations has said in the past as well, which can contribute to the bruise that you see.”
His team were also quick to shut down speculation after the 79-year-old appeared to have closed his eyes during Cabinet meetings.
White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles said “he’s fine”. She added: “He’s not asleep. He’s got his eyes closed and his head leaned back … and, you know, he’s fine.”
It comes at an important time for the US President who is set to discuss an updated peace deal with Zelensky to end the Russia-Ukraine war. This week, Zelensky described it as “the main framework for ending the war”.
Donald Trump told reporters today would be a “very good meeting” which would be “good for Ukraine, good for everybody”.
The plan in question is adapted from an earlier 28-point peace proposal, which had been drawn up between US envoy Steve Witkoff and Russian negotiators.
Zelensky told journalists that US negotiators were looking to establish a demilitarised zone or a free economic zone in the key Donbas region.
Zelensky stressed that any area from which Ukrainian troops were withdrawn would have to be policed by Ukraine.