Swedish King snubs Zelensky handshake

Sweden's King Carl XVI Gustaf refused to shake President Zelensky's hand during a meeting in Lviv.

Sources

3 verified

Location

Ukraine

Updated

Saturday, 18 April 2026 at 08:11 UTC

No media · text-only dispatch

Synthesis · 3 sources

Sweden's King Carl XVI Gustaf visited Ukraine for the first time in 14 years, meeting with President Volodymyr Zelensky in Lviv. During the meeting, Zelensky extended his hand for a handshake, but the King visibly declined, creating a moment of public awkwardness. The incident occurred during a visit where Sweden also pledged €4 billion in aid and Gripen pilot training for Ukraine. The snub has been widely circulated on social media, with many interpreting it as a diplomatic slight.

Updates · 2

18 AprUkraine Watch

A video of the incident shows the king's disdainful glance and Zelensky's bewildered expression, which fueled social media reactions and discussions about the 'Zelensky curse.'

18 Apr𝗠𝗘𝗚𝗛𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗦 🚨

Video footage of the handshake refusal has been widely shared on social media, amplifying the incident's visibility.

e/eineurope · topic · T-00602cycle Saturday, 18 April 2026 at 08:11 UTC · first reported 18 Apr