United States: During his latest visit to the White House on Monday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky found himself face-to-face with a familiar critic – the same right-wing reporter who once mocked his clothing choices during a tense meeting with Donald Trump earlier this year.
This time, though, the mood — and the style — was different.
“You look fabulous in that suit,” said Brian Glenn, a pro-Trump pundit from the MAGA streaming network Real America’s Voice.
Trump, quick to jump in, added with a smile: “Isn’t that nice? That’s the one that attacked you last time.”
Dressed in a sleek black jacket, shirt, and trousers designed by Ukrainian fashion designer Viktor Anisimov, Zelensky fired back with a joke: “You are in the same suit. I changed, you did not.”
On the surface, it was a lighthearted exchange. But Zelensky’s shift in wardrobe reflects something deeper — a strategic change in approach since his disastrous February visit, when Trump and Vice President JD Vance publicly scolded him, accusing him of disrespect and ingratitude.
Back then, the row started even before policy disagreements — it began with Zelensky’s outfit.
Since the start of the war, Zelensky has been defined by his military-style clothing: olive or black T-shirts and cargo pants, a symbol of solidarity with Ukrainian troops. The look became iconic, reinforcing his image as a wartime leader. But when he walked into the Oval Office dressed in his usual attire, Trump — a man who prizes appearance and presentation — took offense. “Oh, you’re all dressed up,” Trump quipped sarcastically as they shook hands.
Reporter Glenn followed up, asking Zelensky why he wasn’t wearing a suit in the White House. Zelensky’s response was telling: “I will wear a costume after this war finishes, yes. Perhaps something like yours, perhaps even better, or perhaps cheaper. We will see.”
From there, the meeting spiraled into an open argument about Ukraine, Russia, and peace negotiations.
In the aftermath, Zelensky worked quickly to repair the damage. He issued public thanks to Trump and the United States, while also adopting a more formal look at key appearances — from Pope Francis’ funeral at the Vatican to a NATO summit in the Netherlands.
According to European officials, leaders even coached Zelensky on how to better manage Trump, and ahead of this week’s meeting, his team carefully considered what he should wear.
The result: Monday’s tailored black suit, designed with subtle military touches — made of canvas fabric with chest patch pockets and vented sleeves. “Every detail is a bridge between the uniform and the classic suit,” designer Anisimov explained, “a refined, dignified presence that still reflects wartime reality.”
Zelensky also added a personal gesture, gifting Trump a golf club that once belonged to a wounded Ukrainian soldier who lost his leg early in the war.
This more diplomatic approach seems to have paid off. Even Glenn, once critical, struck a softer note: “I apologize to you. You look wonderful.”
