Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy swapped his trademark olive drab for a sharp black suit at the White House on Monday.
While meeting US President Donald Trump for talks on the war with Russia, Zelenskyy drew a remark from Brian Glenn of Real America’s Voice, who told him, “You look fabulous in that suit.” Glenn had previously criticised his military attire during a February visit, calling it disrespectful to the country’s highest office.
Trump quickly jumped in saying, “I said the same thing. Isn’t he the one who attacked you last time?”
Zelenskyy smiled and took a indirect dig at the reporter, “I remember him. But you are in the same suit.”
The exchange drew laughter.
GLENN: You look fabulous in that suit
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) August 18, 2025
TRUMP: That's the one that attacked you last time
ZELENSKYY: I remember that. You're in the same suit. I changed mine. pic.twitter.com/cuTIYHmEbN
Back in February, both Glenn and Trump ally JD Vance had criticised Zelenskyy for appearing in military fatigues. That Oval Office meeting had escalated into a shouting match, with Trump and Vance publicly berating Zelenskyy partly over his attire. A right-wing reporter also mocked him for not wearing a suit, to which Zelenskyy quipped he would wear one once the war in Ukraine was over.
On Monday, the Ukrainian leader playfully noted he had updated his style while his critic apparently had not. Trump also praised Zelenskyy’s black suit, calling it “fabulous.”
Impact Shorts
More ShortsThe lighthearted moment came amid serious discussions between US and European leaders over Ukraine’s security guarantees and Russia’s demands. European officials said Zelenskyy’s wardrobe was addressed ahead of the meeting, with the White House requesting he avoid his usual combat wear.
According to Axios, Zelenskyy would wear “the same black jacket he wore to a NATO summit in the Netherlands," adding that it would be “suit-style” but not a full suit.
The fashion shift coincides with a critical diplomatic moment. Leaders from Britain, France, Germany, Italy, and Finland, along with NATO chief Mark Rutte and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, gathered at the White House to show united support for Ukraine.
They met with Trump and Zelenskyy to discuss bridging differences over a potential peace deal with Russia. Trump, fresh from his Alaska summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin last week, has said Ukraine must give up Crimea and abandon its NATO ambitions—two of Moscow’s key demands.