12 hours ago
President Trump praised Zelenskyy's stylish jacket at the White House before discussing a potential drone-for-missile deal, saying the US won't give up weapons it needs to protect itself.
US President Donald Trump welcomes his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House. (Reuters Photo)
New Delhi,UPDATED: Oct 18, 2025 02:22 IST
US President Donald Trump on Friday couldn’t resist adding a touch of his trademark flair, turning his focus to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s outfit as the two met at the White House.
“I think he looks beautiful in his jacket. It’s beautiful,” Trump said as he welcomed Zelenskyy to the White House for their third meeting since August. “I hope people notice — it’s actually very stylish. I like it.”
The two leaders met to discuss the ongoing war in Ukraine, a day after Trump’s phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, in which both sides agreed to meet soon in Budapest.
But before delving into geopolitics, Trump took a lighter detour. As cameras clicked in the Cabinet Room, he smiled at Zelenskyy’s dark suit — a departure from the military-style attire the Ukrainian leader often favors.
It wasn’t the first time Trump had commented on Zelenskyy’s wardrobe. During his August visit, he praised the Ukrainian president’s attire, saying, “I don’t believe it I love it!” Months earlier, in February, Trump had teased him for wearing a black sweater, joking, “Oh look, he’s all dressed up today!”
That earlier exchange had sparked a tense moment. When a reporter asked Zelenskyy why he never wore a suit, he quipped, “I don’t have such an office. I will wear a costume after this war will finish. Maybe something like yours — or something cheaper. We’ll see.” The meeting had ended on a sour note, with Vice President JD Vance accusing Zelenskyy of being “ungrateful” for Trump’s peace efforts.
On Friday, though, the tone was warmer. Trump confirmed that Washington could consider a deal allowing the US to accept Ukrainian drones in exchange for Tomahawk missiles Kyiv has requested for its forces. Still, he voiced caution about giving away too much of America’s own stockpile.
“Tomahawks are a big deal,” Trump told reporters. “But one thing I have to say — we want Tomahawks also. We don’t want to be giving away things we need to protect our country.”
He added that he hoped the conflict could end before such transfers became necessary. “Hopefully, we’ll be able to get the war over without thinking about Tomahawks. I think we’re fairly close to that,” Trump said.
- Ends
Published By:
Aashish Vashistha
Published On:
Oct 18, 2025
Tune In
