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 on June 17.
Footage circulating online shows that Zelensky drew attention to Meloni as she approached 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 body toward her. She greeted him with a kiss on the cheek, but Zelensky twice attempted to bend over her lips.
Meloni appeared uncomfortable and avoided eye contact with Zelensky. Later, she hurriedly left the location.
Earlier in the day, reports indicated that U.S. President Donald Trump may demand that European leaders and Zelensky compromise with Russia to advance negotiations on Ukraine.
