New Delhi: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy wore black rugged suit-style jacket and shirt, but without a tie to the NATO Summit in The Hague. This change in wardrobe came just months after he was ridiculed for not wearing a suit to a meeting with President Donald Trump at the White House, reported India Today.
Disastrous meeting at White House
Zelenskyy’s decision to switch from his casual wear came months after he was ridiculed for not wearing a formal suit to a meeting with US President Donald Trump. The meeting at the White House turned into a shouting match between President Trump, his deputy, JD Vance and the Ukrainian leader. When one of the reporters pointed towards his choice of clothing, Zelenskyy responded by saying that he would wear a suit, once the war with Russia ends.
Since the war with Russia began in February 2022, President Zelenskyy has been seen wearing sweat shirts, either black or olive green in colour. The sweatshirts bear the Ukrainian trident symbol and are paired with cargo pants and combat boots. The dress was meant to show solidarity with the Ukrainian soldiers fighting the war.
Ever since the start of the war, Zelenskyy has travelled to several countries, wearing the miliatry attire and met leaders. However in April this year, he met President Donal Trump for the second time at Pope Francis’ funeral. There he was seen wearing a heavy black field jacket and black shirt buttoned to the collar, with no tie.
Zelensky sported the same look when he met UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in London and again at the dinner hosted by the Dutch king. Both of these were pre-Nato Summit events. The NATO Summit is being held in The Hague.
The subtle change in clothing captured attention on social media. One of Ukraine’s leading magazine’s ‘ELLE” described the change as “visual diplomacy of a new kind”.
Working towards rebuilding ties with US
Following the shouting match between Trump and Zelenskyy, the Ukrainian leader has steadily worked towards rebuilding ties with the US. Both the countries have signed a critical minerals deal in exchange for a joint investment fund for Ukraine’s reconstruction.
After the suit fiasco at the White House, Ukrainians rallied behind their leader. They criticised Trump and the US for the comments.
At the White House meeting in February, a reporter identified as Brian Glenn asked Zelenskyy, “Why don’t you wear a suit? Do you own a suit?” To this question, the Ukrainian leader gave a curt reply, “I will wear costume after this war finishes. Maybe something like yours. Maybe something better.”
US Vice President JD Vance who was in this meeting, laughed after Zelenskky was asked this question.
