Trump mocked his clothes last time — now Zelensky’s bringing a suit to the Oval office

Volodymyr Zelensky suit: When Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky steps into the Oval Office on Monday for a high-stakes meeting with US president Donald Trump, he’ll be wearing something more formal, as per a report.

Volodymyr Zelensky opts for a more formal look

Months after the Ukrainian president’s last visit to the White House which ended into a shouting match, where he was seen in his customary military-style attire, Zelensky is opting for what aides are calling a “suit-style” jacket this time, as per the Independent report.

Zelensky is expected to wear the same black jacket that he wore to a June NATO summit in the Netherlands, which insiders have described as being “suit-style” but not a full suit, as reported by the Independent. However, he still won’t wear a tie, but in Washington, even a half-step toward business attire is being closely watched, especially by Trump’s team, according to the report.


The June NATO summit was the first time Zelensky was seen wearing a business-style jacket since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in Ukraine in 2022, and the fashion choice reportedly impressed Trump, as per the Independent report.

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Zelensky's last US visit ended in shouting and wardrobe criticism

Earlier this year, Trump had welcomed Zelensky into the West Wing and had mocked his customary military-style attire, when the US president jokingly told the press, “he’s all dressed up today,” as quoted in the report.

However, when Zelensky last visited the White House, it was reportedly vice president JD Vance who was more annoyed than Trump by the Ukrainian leader’s understated fashion choices, especially because he was without a tie, as reported by the Independent.

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Trump aides still skeptical

One Trump advisor said that “it would be a good sign for peace” if Zelensky dressed up on Monday, but highlighted that, “We don’t expect him to do it,” as quoted by the Independent.

Another insider said that, “It would be great if he wore a tie, but we don’t expect him to,” as quoted in the report.

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Donald Trump pushes for peace deal

This time, Zelensky will also be joined by neighboring European leaders in a show of unity in a meeting which is set to be held Monday at 3 p.m. EST, and comes after Trump met with Russian leader Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday, as per the report.

Trump is now urging Zelensky to sign a peace deal without Crimea and NATO membership instead of an immediate ceasefire, as he is backing Moscow’s position, according to the Independent report.

The US president wrote on Truth Social, "President Zelenskyy of Ukraine can end the war with Russia almost immediately, if he wants to, or he can continue to fight," adding, "No getting back Obama given Crimea... and NO GOING INTO NATO BY UKRAINE. Some things never change!!!" as quoted in the report.

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FAQs

Why is Zelensky's jacket making headlines?
Because it’s a rare shift from his usual military-style attire and after Trump mocked him last time, it’s being seen as a diplomatic gesture.

How did Trump react to Zelensky’s military clothes in the past?
He joked about them, saying, “he’s all dressed up today,” during a previous press appearance.