Slovak Student Defies President, Sparks Outrage and Praise
At a presidential palace awards ceremony, mathematics olympiad medalist Simon Omaník declined to shake hands with President Peter Pellegrini, despite the president’s offer. Omaník’s refusal followed Pellegrini’s recent controversial statements regarding Ukraine, including his opposition to an official Kyiv visit and suggestion of territorial concessions. A Ukrainian flag ribbon on Omaník’s jacket suggests a possible connection between his actions and his views on the ongoing conflict. The incident concluded with a group photo featuring all three individuals.
John Q. Hosedrinker