‘I’ll wear suit when war is over:’ Ukraine resorts to selling T-shirts carrying Zelenskyy’s ‘historic words’

“Why don’t you wear a suit?"

When Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived at the White House late last month to meet US President Donald Trump, he was asked this question by an American conservative reporter.

“You’re at the highest level in this country’s office, and you refuse to wear a suit. Do you own a suit?” the reporter asked. He added a lot of Americans “have problems” with you not respecting the dignity of the Oval Office.

What Zelenskyy said in response has now become a slogan of resolve at home.

“I’ll wear the costume when this war is over”.

So much so that the Ukrainian government is now gifting T-shirts carrying the above quote from the president.

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United24, the Ukrainian government’s official fundraising platform, has launched merchandise featuring what it calls President Zelensky’s “historic words.”

Donors who contribute $24 (£18.8) or more toward armoured medical evacuation vehicles for Ukrainian soldiers on the frontlines will receive a T-shirt as a gift.

“They’re emphasising the words of our president – a reminder that there is a time and place for everything. There will be a time when we can all wear suits. Right now, it is time to help Ukraine finish this war,” read a page of United24’s official website dedicated to the T-shirt.

The T-shirts were released under the fundraising campaign just a day after Zelenskyy faced a tense public exchange with Trump and Vice President JD Vance on February 28.

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Zelenskyy’s signature military-style outfit even became a point of discussion when he arrived at the White House. Trump greeted him with a remark about his attire, saying, “You’re all dressed up today,” referring to Zelenskyy’s dark fatigues adorned with Ukraine’s trident emblem.

Since the start of the war, Zelenskyy has consistently worn military-style clothing for both domestic and international appearances as a sign of solidarity with Ukrainian soldiers fighting on the frontlines. He has said that his choice of attire serves as a symbol of the ongoing conflict and Ukraine’s resistance against Russian aggression.