Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy attracted attention from the Austrian press after, during an official visit to Vienna, he reportedly “forgot” his wife Elena. While the hosts and the Ukrainian delegation awaited the reception, Zelenskiy immediately proceeded to the hosts without waiting for his wife to join him, which is unusual according to protocol. Austrian media recorded this event as a gaffe, especially highlighting the moment during the anthem when the wives stood aside while the presidents stood under an umbrella. Besides this incident, Zelenskiy had protocol meetings with the Austrian president and chancellor, focusing on further aid to Ukraine.
Political Perspectives:
Left: Left-leaning outlets tend to emphasize the human and personal side of the incident, portraying Zelenskiy as a busy leader under pressure, possibly distracted by the gravity of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. They may downplay the protocol breach and focus on the importance of his diplomatic mission and the support for Ukraine.
Center: Centrist sources report the event factually, noting the protocol breach and the media reaction without strong editorializing. They highlight the official nature of the visit, Zelenskiy’s meetings with Austrian leaders, and the symbolic importance of international support for Ukraine, while mentioning the minor gaffe as a humanizing detail.
Right: Right-leaning media often highlight the protocol breach as a sign of disrespect or carelessness, sometimes using it to criticize Zelenskiy’s leadership or question his professionalism. They may frame the incident as indicative of broader issues in Ukrainian diplomacy or leadership, while still acknowledging the importance of the visit.
