Edited video shows Sweden's king refusing to shake Zelenskyy's hand
| Edited video shows Sweden's king refusing to shake Zelenskyy's hand | |
|---|---|
| MANIPULATED MEDIA | |
| "A video shows King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden refusing to shake hands with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, after which Zelenskyy spat toward the king's feet." | |
| Domain | Politics & Elections |
| Tactic | Manipulation Propaganda Technique |
| Era | Current |
| First seen | 2026 |
| Origin | A 20-second clip posted on X on October 22, 2026, cut from footage of the king's arrival in Lviv, Ukraine, on April 17, 2026 |
| Last reviewed | 2026-10-26 |
| Further reading: books on Politics & Elections | |
The claim that an edited video shows Sweden's king refusing to shake Zelenskyy's hand spread on X on October 22, 2026. The post said King Carl XVI Gustaf had refused to shake Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's hand during a meeting, that Zelenskyy then spat toward the king's feet, and that the king stared in disbelief. The 20-second clip came from the king's visit to Lviv, Ukraine, on April 17, 2026, and had been cut just before the two men shook hands. Longer footage from the same event, a Reuters video and a Getty Images photograph all show them shaking hands warmly. There is no evidence of any spitting.
The claim
The post described the encounter as a snub, implying tension between Sweden, a strong supporter of Ukraine and a NATO member since 2024, and Zelenskyy. The clip showed the king stepping out of a car and speaking with Zelenskyy, then ended.
What the evidence shows
Lead Stories compared the clip with longer footage of the king's arrival in Lviv on April 17, 2026:
- A longer video of the arrival, published on YouTube, matches the scene in the X clip. In it, a black car pulls up, the king steps out and greets Zelenskyy, and moments later the two men shake hands for about ten seconds.
- A Reuters video and a Getty Images photograph from the visit also show the leaders shaking hands.
- Nothing in the footage shows Zelenskyy spitting or the king reacting with disbelief.
The X clip simply ended before the handshake. Lead Stories rated the claim false.
Why it matters
Clips that cut off just before or after a key moment are a simple but effective form of manipulation. They use genuine footage, so they look authentic, but by removing what happens next they can make a friendly meeting appear hostile. Claims that foreign leaders are snubbing or humiliating Zelenskyy have circulated frequently since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, often promoted by accounts sympathetic to Russia, because they serve a narrative that Ukraine's international support is fading. Similar edited clips have targeted other leaders' meetings.
Lessons for readers
- When a clip ends abruptly at a key moment, look for longer footage of the same event.
- Check photo agencies and wire services, which usually cover official visits extensively.
- Be skeptical of added details, such as spitting, that appear only in the caption.
- Ask whether a claimed snub fits the known relationship between the countries involved.
- Notice which narratives a viral clip serves.
See also
- Zelenskyy bought a 42 million dollar nuclear bunker in Canada
- Deepfake video shows Zelensky ordering Ukrainian troops to surrender
- Video shows Trump waving to nobody
Sources
- Lead Stories, "Fact Check: Edited Video Does NOT Prove Sweden King Refused To Shake Zelenskyy Hand," October 23, 2026.
- Reuters video and Getty Images photographs of King Carl XVI Gustaf's visit to Lviv, April 17, 2026.