After T-Shirt Meeting Fiasco, Zelenskyy Opts For ‘Suit-Style’ Attire For Talks With Trump

Last Updated:August 18, 2025, 22:56 IST

The outfit marked a notable shift from Zelenskyy’s usual military attire and resembled what he wore to the NATO summit in The Hague earlier in June

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is greeted by US President Donald Trump (L) upon arrival at the White House. (AFP photo)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday met US President Donald Trump at the White House, wearing a black, suit-style jacket and shirt, though still without a tie, for high-stakes talks on the war with Russia.

The outfit marked a notable shift from Zelenskyy’s usual military attire and resembled what he wore to the NATO summit in The Hague earlier in June.

While not a full suit, the more formal look follows months of behind-the-scenes discussions on his appearance, especially after a controversial meeting with Trump in February.

That earlier Oval Office encounter descended into a shouting match, during which Trump and Vice President JD Vance publicly berated Zelenskyy, partly over his choice of clothes. A right-wing reporter also criticised him for not wearing a suit, to which Zelenskyy responded that he would wear one once the war in Ukraine was over.

According to European officials, the question of Zelenskyy’s attire was raised again ahead of Monday’s meeting, with the White House reportedly requesting he avoid his usual combat wear.

A report by Axios quoted sources saying Zelenskyy would wear “the same black jacket he wore to a NATO summit in the Netherlands." One added, “It is going to be ‘suit-style’ but not a full suit."

The fashion shift coincides with a critical moment in diplomacy. Leaders from Britain, France, Germany, Italy and Finland, as well as NATO chief Mark Rutte and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, arrived at the White House on Monday to show united support for Ukraine.

They are holding talks with Trump and Zelenskyy, aimed at bridging deep differences over a possible peace deal with Russia. Trump, fresh from a summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska last week, has said Ukraine must give up Crimea and abandon its NATO ambitions, two of Moscow’s key demands.

Meanwhile, social media buzzed with commentary over Zelenskyy’s outfit. A viral image claimed DC residents had mocked the Ukrainian leader with a large sign reading: “WEAR A SUIT, BRO."

Since the February row, Zelenskyy has opted for more formal attire at key events, including at the Vatican and during other NATO meetings. Sources say European allies have also quietly advised him on how to better manage his evolving relationship with Trump, CNN reported.

(With inputs from agencies)

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News world After T-Shirt Meeting Fiasco, Zelenskyy Opts For ‘Suit-Style’ Attire For Talks With Trump

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