Whole country watching scandal: Italian who respects putin was not allowed into Ukraine

A story about a scandal on a bus traveling from Italy to Ukraine went viral on social networks: an Italian told a Ukrainian that he "respects putin" and that Zelenskyy is a "bad President." The post attracted the attention of the public, journalists, SSU and border guards, and the Italian was not allowed to enter Ukraine.

Ukrainian Daria Melnychenko told about the incident in Threads - her post collected thousands of reactions and comments, and the situation is actively discussed throughout the country.

According to Daria, a couple was traveling with her on the bus - an Italian man named Rocco and his Ukrainian wife. During the trip, the man started a conversation with the passengers, and later openly stated that Ukraine is a "bad country," Volodymyr Zelenskyy is a "bad President," and added that he respects the russian dictator vladimir putin.

In response, Daria stated that the Italian should not go to Ukraine with such views. He stated that he was going to his wife's house, and added that she allegedly shared his position.

"Do you understand that you are talking to a Ukrainian woman now? You are going to my country and saying such terrible things," Daria replied.

In response, Rocco stated that his wife is also Ukrainian, to which Daria responded with the words: "No, we are different Ukrainians."

According to Melnychenko, other passengers heard the conversation. The entire bus supported her position, and the women agreed to apply to the border guards together with statements.

Later, Daria reported that the bus arrived at the Chop-Zagon checkpoint in the Zakarpattia Region. According to her, a report was drawn up on the Italian, and she and Rocco were taken for questioning to the shift supervisor.

"I'm writing a statement. Spoiler: I was told that he wouldn't be let through," she noted.

Journalist Vitalii Hlahola reported that the State Border Service of Ukraine and the SSU were informed about the incident. According to him, although official comments are restrained, border guards do not plan to allow entry to a man with such statements.

The journalist also found the TikTok of the Italian Rocco, where there are many posts in support of putin. The Italian posted his last video while on a bus. The video is signed with the words: "A trip to russia. I'm arriving in my land."

Meanwhile, Ukrainians in Threads share their experiences about the situation and wait to see what will happen when the Italian reaches the Ukrainian border.

As a reminder, Antonin Kolarz, a teacher and mayor of the Czech village of Semnevice, published an open letter apologizing to the Ambassador of Ukraine to the Czech Republic, Vasyl Zvarych, for the New Year's speech by the Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies, Tomio Okamura, in which President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's entourage was called a "junta."