Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky swapped his usual military fatigues for a formal black suit during a meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House on Friday.
During their lunch in the Cabinet Room, Trump praised Zelensky’s outfit, joking: “I think he looks beautiful in this jacket, yes, beautiful, I hope people notice. It’s good, it’s actually very stylish, I like it.”
The fashion shift marks a departure from Zelensky’s standard military-inspired attire, which he has largely worn since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022.
Not the first time Zelensky adjusted his look
This is not the first time Zelensky has adjusted his look for Trump. In August, he wore a black formal jacket, shirt, and trousers for a meeting with the US President and European officials, receiving a nod of approval.
“You look fabulous in that suit,” conservative reporter Brian Glenn told Zelensky, the same journalist who had previously criticised him for his attire in February. “I said the same thing,” Trump added, referring to Glenn.
Their first meeting in February had been less cordial. Zelensky’s black polo and military-style trousers reportedly irked Trump and other officials, with some seeing it as a sign of disrespect. Trump had sarcastically remarked, “all dressed up today” upon seeing the Ukrainian leader.
Zelensky’s vow and signature jacket
Zelensky explained he had vowed to wear his military clothes until peace returned to Ukraine. His black jacket, designed by Kyiv-based Viktor Anisimov, first appeared at Pope Francis’s funeral in April and has since been worn at meetings with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and at the NATO summit in The Hague.
The White House meeting took place a day after Trump held a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding the war in Ukraine.
Zelensky, military clothes, peace in Ukraine, Trump meeting, fashion shift
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