A scandal broke out in Slovakia over a pro-Ukrainian schoolboy

The schoolboy's refusal to shake hands with Slovak President Peter Pellegrini is a manifestation of the young man's lack of education. This was announced on January 14 during a visit to Italy by the Slovak leader.

"I can't help but respect this gesture. On the other hand, I was brought up in such a way that throughout my political career I did not refuse to shake hands even with political opponents. Decency and upbringing always make me behave politely with political opponents," Pellegrini said.

According to him, the student wanted to attract attention to himself with his political position, but in the end he only overshadowed an event that had nothing to do with politics.

On January 13, Pellegrini awarded the winners of the Central European Mathematical Olympiad at the Presidential Palace. One of them was Simon Omanik, who came to the meeting with a ribbon with the colors of the Ukrainian flag. During the award ceremony, he refused to shake the hand extended by the Slovak leader. After the event, the student said that he did it because he did not agree with Pellegrini's political position on Ukraine.