Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s suit is making headlines again, as he hits back at the reporter who called him out months ago.
On Monday evening, Zelenskyy arrived at the White House for crucial peace talks with Donald Trump.
Zelenskyy, dressed in a black blazer and a black shirt with buttons, sparked a mix of compliments and sarcastic remarks.
Trump, shaking Zelenskyy’s hand, said: “He is all dressed up today,” clearly playing on the Ukrainian leader’s typical military-style attire, which has become a hallmark of his wartime presidency, per the Guardian.
Zelenskyy, who has long avoided wearing formal suits as a show of solidarity with Ukraine’s citizens since the onset of the Russian invasion, found himself again in the spotlight over his clothing choices.
This time, the outfit was a more civilian look, though still reflecting the ongoing war’s influence.
His ensemble was a French-style army jacket, crafted from military canvas with four patch pockets, paired with coordinating trousers – distinctly not a formal suit, but a step toward a more civilian style while retaining military references.
This shift in style follows months of work behind the scenes with Zelenskyy’s designer, Viktor Anisimov, per the Wall Street Journal.
“We had already started working on the president’s new wardrobe and style in January,” Anisimov explained.
“After what happened in February, knowing our president’s principles, I thought that he would not want to change his style. But no, he decided that we should continue.”
Despite his new look, Anisimov stressed that the goal wasn’t simply about changing Zelenskyy’s wardrobe but about the larger picture.
“It’s not about the suit – it’s about what happens to Ukraine,” Anisimov told Womenswear Daily, pointing out that the meeting’s results mattered far more than the president’s outfit.
The outfit also sparked a brief, yet memorable moment in the press room.
As reporter Brian Glenn, who had previously criticized Zelenskyy’s refusal to wear a suit back in February, praised his new look, Zelenskyy couldn’t resist a cheeky remark: “I remember. But you are in the same suit [as last time]. I’m changed and you’re not.”
The quick-witted jab caused a wave of laughter in the room, a stark contrast to the tension surrounding his previous encounter with the journalist, where Glenn had grilled him about his informal attire.
“Why don’t you wear a suit? You’re at the highest level in this country’s office, and you refuse to wear a suit,” Glenn had said back then. Zelenskyy had calmly responded: “I will wear [a suit] after the war is finished.”
rump joined in the banter: “He’s the one who attacked you last time, see now he’s nice.”
Following Zelenskyy’s witty remark, Glenn apologized, and the press conference moved forward on a more cordial note.
