A video showing several G7 leaders hugging and kissing Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has gone viral on social media, leaving millions of viewers surprised and curious about the unusual interactions.
The clip was shared by the verified X account China Pulse. It quickly gained widespread attention as users questioned why multiple world leaders appeared to greet Meloni with warm embraces during the gathering.
According to the caption accompanying the viral video, Meloni told fellow G7 leaders that she had quit smoking. The announcement reportedly prompted the leaders to congratulate her with hugs and cheek kisses, a gesture that is common among many European politicians during informal moments.
Social media users have reacted with a mix of amusement and disbelief. Many praised the friendly atmosphere, while others debated whether the interactions reflected European diplomatic customs rather than anything extraordinary.
Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni told the leaders she had quit smoking — prompting them to rush in for a hug.
Were they trying to verify it?
Meanwhile, Sanae Takaichi didn’t quite get what was happening — and wished she had told them the same way so they would hug her too. pic.twitter.com/EpGAnni5Fn— China pulse 🇨🇳 (@Eng_china5) June 17, 2026
Meanwhile, another moment in the video also attracted attention online. Viewers pointed out that Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba appears to be looking in the direction of the leaders while no one seems to be standing immediately beside him. This brief scene has fueled speculation and humorous comments across social media platforms.
However, short viral clips can sometimes lack important context. Camera angles, editing, or cropped footage may create misleading impressions about what is happening outside the frame. Full recordings of international events often provide a clearer understanding of such moments.
The video continues to circulate widely across X and other social media platforms. It has generated thousands of comments and shares, with users discussing diplomatic etiquette, cultural greetings, and the informal interactions that occasionally occur during high-level international summits.
Despite the online speculation, the clip primarily highlights a lighthearted exchange among world leaders, turning an ordinary congratulatory moment into one of the most talked-about viral videos from the G7 gathering.
