A video clip shared by Derrick Evans suggests that King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden refused to shake hands with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during the king’s visit to Lviv on April 17, 2026. The segment ends just prior to the handshake, leading to claims that Zelenskyy spat at the king’s feet. However, various sources, including Suspilne, AFP, and Reuters, provide full footage showing the two leaders greeting and shaking hands immediately after.
The Swedish royal court has characterized the claims as "wrong and ugly," asserting that the supposed act of spitting is merely a natural mouth movement by Zelenskyy as he turns to speak. No evidence of any spit is visible in the complete footage. This edited clip, initially circulated by Russian media in April, has resurfaced with the misleading narrative added.
Officials and fact-checkers highlight the importance of scrutinizing media representations, especially those that may be manipulated for political purposes. The dissemination of this edited video reflects the ongoing information warfare surrounding geopolitical issues.
Why this story matters
- It underscores the manipulation of media to influence public perception in international relations.
Key takeaway
- The full context of the encounter between King Carl XVI Gustaf and President Zelenskyy contradicts the misleading claims of a handshake refusal.
Opposing viewpoint
- Proponents of the edited clip argue that it highlights perceived tensions between Sweden and Ukraine, despite the debunked claims.
