Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy broke from his usual military-style attire on Monday, arriving at the White House in a formal black suit for his high-stakes meeting with President Donald Trump.
A Change in Wardrobe
Zelenskyy was seen shaking Trump’s hand while dressed in an all-black outfit, including a button-down shirt, jacket, and trousers. The look drew immediate attention from reporters.
“First of all … President Zelensky, you look fabulous in that suit,” one reporter said during the Oval Office photo-op. “You look good,” the reporter added, to which Trump chimed in: “I said the same thing.”
The same journalist who asked Zelensky “why don’t you wear a suit?” the last time Zelensky was in the White House, now compliments what Zelensky what he is wearing
Zelensky responds: “I see that you are wearing the same suit again” pic.twitter.com/gM6XjbXFv1
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) August 18, 2025
The Ukrainian leader’s decision marked a departure from his signature look of olive-green T-shirts and sweatshirts, which he has favored since Russia’s invasion in 2022. His casual wardrobe has often sparked debate during international visits, including earlier this year when a reporter bluntly asked him: “Do you own a suit?”
Why It Matters
The meeting comes just days after Trump’s summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, where the two leaders discussed a potential peace deal but did not reach an agreement. Trump has since urged Ukraine to consider a land swap deal with Russia as the “most efficient” path to ending the war.
Zelenskyy’s formal appearance may have been calculated. Axios previously reported that White House officials had asked Ukrainian aides earlier this year whether Zelenskyy might wear a suit to a high-level meeting.
Designer’s Prediction
Ukrainian designer Elvira Gasanova, who has collaborated with Zelenskyy, told Fox News ahead of the visit that she expected the president to adjust his look following the “no suit” drama.
“Tomorrow he most likely will not appear in a polo,” she predicted on Sunday. “I think he will choose a black military suit or a military-style shirt with trousers — perhaps a jacket. After the recent drama, he will likely approach this question differently.”
High-Stakes Talks
Zelenskyy is in Washington to meet with Trump, along with several European leaders including French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and Finnish President Alexander Stubb.
The talks are expected to focus on next steps in the peace process after Trump’s Alaska summit with Putin.
