Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky dresses up for US President Donald Trump at the White House
The last time Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited the White House, his olive green military-style outfit drew scorn from US President Donald Trump, who wears suits every day.
Mr Zelensky’s garb at that February meeting featured in a disastrous session with Mr Trump in which the two leaders bickered and the Ukrainian President was escorted out of the White House early, without lunch.
On Monday, with his country facing pressure to accept a peace deal to end Europe’s deadliest war in 80 years, Mr Zelensky showed up for his talks with Mr Trump wearing more formal attire.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.The black-on-black ensemble, sans tie, wasn’t exactly a suit, but it seemed to please Mr Trump all the same.
A reporter who had asked Mr Zelensky in February why he was not wearing a suit complimented the Ukrainian leader on the attire he chose for his latest Oval Office session with Mr Trump.
“You look fabulous in that suit,” the reporter said.
Mr Trump chimed in: “I said the same thing”.
This time, Mr Zelensky got in a good-natured dig.
“You’re wearing the same suit,” he told the reporter, drawing laughter.
“I changed.”
The media-savvy Ukrainian leader had worn military-type outfits to show solidarity with the troops fighting Russian invaders since Moscow’s 2022 full-scale invasion.
But after the February meeting with Mr Trump, Mr Zelensky switched to a more formal wardrobe.
When the two leaders met at Pope Francis’s funeral in Rome in April, the Ukrainian President wore a heavy black field jacket and a black shirt buttoned to the collar, with no tie.
