Before Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky meets with U.S. President Donald Trump in the Oval Office on Monday, the White House has inquired whether he plans to wear a suit for the occasion. The meeting will also host several European leaders, according to a report by Axios.
Suit Sparks Debate in America
Zelensky's outfit became a topic of notable discussion during his previous meeting with President Trump at the White House in March, an issue that officials later termed a diplomatic mishap. When Trump and Zelensky met again in the Oval Office this year, the atmosphere was tense. During this encounter, a reporter inquired as to why Zelensky had not chosen to wear a suit.
Ready to Host Zelensky: Trump and the US Lead in Global Support for Ukraine
According to the BBC, a reporter asked, 'Why do you not wear a suit? You hold the highest office in your country, yet choose to reject wearing one. Do you own a suit? Many Americans feel you are not respecting the office's dignity.' Zelensky later quipped that he would don the outfit once war with Russia ended.
Reprimand at the Last Encounter
During their earlier meeting, Zelensky's military-style dress, now a symbol of Ukraine's wartime toughness, reportedly annoyed Trump. As they exchanged greetings, the U.S. President joked, 'He's dressed for the occasion,' a comment that added tension to the already fraught conversation.
Zelensky Considers a Black Jacket
Reports indicate that Zelensky has decided on wearing a black jacket, rather than an official suit and tie, similar to his business-style dress chosen for the NATO summit in the Netherlands in June.
Zelensky is in Washington D.C. for a crucial meeting with Trump, with hopes of ending Russia's three-year conflict with Ukraine. Joining Zelensky at the White House will be leaders from the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Finland, the European Union, and NATO.
Arriving in the U.S. with Memories of Tense Talks: The Crimea Situation
This meeting is set to happen after Trump’s engagement with Russian President Putin on August 15. While no decision was reached regarding a ceasefire during last week's Trump-Putin discussion, Russia reportedly agreed to the proposal of security guarantees for Ukraine similar to NATO’s collective defense principle.
There are speculations that Trump might pressure Zelensky to agree to a Moscow-favored accord. However, Zelensky has expressed that Ukraine will not cede its territory, although he is open to collaborating with Trump on a lasting peace agreement.
