On Friday, President Donald Trump couldn’t help but comment on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s choice of clothing when he arrived at the White House for an important meeting.
A Friendly Greeting at the White House
As Zelensky stepped out of his SUV and walked toward the West Wing, Trump, who was there to greet him, remarked, “Oh, you’re all dressed up.” The Ukrainian president smiled and responded, “Yes.
I had to,” as they shook hands in front of the cameras.
Trump, clearly approving of the outfit, pointed to Zelensky and said, “He’s all dressed up today,” before the two posed for pictures at the arrival ceremony.
Although Trump’s comments weren’t caught on the official media cameras, a video shared on social media by Trump’s aide, Margo Martin, quickly spread.
A Different Look for Zelensky
Zelensky’s wardrobe choice for this meeting with Trump marked a shift from his usual style.
Since the start of the war with Russia, Zelensky has made a point of wearing military fatigues when meeting with global leaders, symbolizing his active role in the ongoing conflict.
However, during his visit to the White House, Zelensky swapped out his typical military attire for a more formal black uniform, complete with black pants and boots.
While he still wasn’t in a traditional suit, it was a much more polished look than what he typically wears for international discussions.
Zelensky’s Dedication to the War Effort
This decision to wear military-style clothing isn’t new for Zelensky.
In meetings with President Joe Biden, for example, he frequently wore olive or khaki military outfits, which some Americans criticized as a sign of disrespect toward the United States.
Zelensky, however, has explained his decision to continue wearing military gear, stating in 2022 that he wouldn’t don a suit and tie or shave his beard until the war with Russia is over.
His message has always been clear: he is fully committed to leading his country through this difficult time, and his appearance reflects the gravity of the situation.