Meeting Donald Trump at the White House can be a bruising encounter for most world leaders at the best of times, but eagle-eyed observers have noted the US President appeared to have picked up an injury himself.

President Trump is known for his strident handshakes which he often employs with visiting heads of state as a form of power battle straight out of a business boardroom.

On Monday Mr Trump met French President Emmanuel Macron in Washington for talks on Russia‘s invasion of Ukraine, with Washington and Europe seemingly at odds over how to end the conflict.

Mr Macron and Mr Trump are well known for their so-called ‘handshake battles’ from previous meetings, and the French leader, 47, and the 78-year-old Commander-in-Chief didn’t disappoint on Monday with a series of hand-grappling exchanges.

But cameras in the White House have picked up what appears to be an angry bruise developing on President Trump’s right hand, which was noticeable as the two presidents sat next to one another to answer questions from reporters.

Many people commented on the bruise online and speculated about how Mr Trump got the injury.

One person wrote on X: “Trump has a massive bruise on the back of his right hand. How did he get that? Is it from an IV? Did he fall? What aren’t we being told about his health?”

Another speculated if it was an ongoing health issue, noting: “Does he have a chronic health problem that requires frequent blood draws for testing or possibly to administer IV fluids?”

Someone else claimed the bruising was similar to that seen on Queen Elizabeth II’s hand in the final months of her life, adding that they thought “doctors around him are claiming he’s the healthiest man in history”.

As the human body ages, it is naturally more susceptible to bruising, and there has been no official comment from the White House on any medical condition Mr Trump may be experiencing.

Speaking after his meeting with Mr Macron, the US President has suggested it will be Europe that ‘make[s] sure nothing happens” in Ukraine when it comes to security, after he said that Vladimir Putin would be happy to see peacekeeping forces on the ground in the event of a deal being struck to end the war.

The US’s role in any future deal is likely to be among the topics up for discussion later this week when Sir Keir Starmer heads to Washington for talks, after reiterating his calls for a US “backstop” to any deal.

It will be Mr Trump’s second meeting with a European leader in days, following the visit of French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday, which was the third anniversary of Russia‘s invasion.

In an interview with Fox News following their meeting, Mr Macron said it was “feasible” to talk about the start of negotiations for a sustainable peace within weeks.

He said: “We want peace. And I think the initiative of President Trump is a very positive one. But my message was to say be careful because we need something substantial for Ukraine.

“I think the arrival of President Trump is a game-changer. And I think he has the deterrence capacity of the US to reengage with Russia.”

The transatlantic alliance on the conflict has been shaken in recent weeks by the President’s comments on Ukraine and attempts to secure a deal with Russia over Ukraine‘s head.

Speaking from the White House about security guarantees alongside Mr Macron, the US President said: “Europe is going to make sure nothing happens.”

Earlier on, Mr Trump had said Mr Putin “will accept” peacekeepers. Sir Keir has previously said he would be willing to put British troops on the ground as part of security guarantees that could end the war.