Ukraine’s president Zelensky is due to meet former U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington, and the White House has reportedly asked if he will wear a suit—a topic that once stalled earlier talks between the two leaders.
Again the Question About Zelensky’s Attire Arises
Before the Monday (18 August) meeting of Zelensky and Trump in Washington, the White House was to address the Ukrainian side with a question about whether the president will wear a suit, Axios reported citing two direct sources. According to the portal, Zelensky will appear at the White House in the same black blazer he wore during the June NATO summit in the Netherlands. It will be a “suit‑like style,” but he won’t wear a full suit, one Axios interlocutor said. The first photos from reporters revealed that Zelensky appeared in Washington in a black T‑shirt, and he also met the U.S. envoy for Russia and Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, in that attire.
A Suit Would Be a Good Sign of Peace
One of Donald Trump’s advisors, speaking to Axios, partially joking, said that if Zelensky wore a suit at the White House meeting it would be a “good sign of peace.” “We do not, however, expect that he’ll do it,” added another. He added, “It would be great if he wore a tie, but we don’t expect that.” Another source indicated that the last time Vice President J.D. Vance seemed more irritated by the Ukrainian president’s outfit. Trump’s advisors in an Axios interview assured that the meeting will not be a repeat of the March debacle. “Both have gone through a long way. Zelensky won’t show Trump pictures of dead children, acting as if it was his fault, and he learned to set aside irritations and move on,” reporters heard.
Zelensky’s Outfit Has Been in the Spotlight Recently
Zelensky will meet Trump for the first time since the memorable clash between politicians that occurred during his last White House visit. At that time, the president and the vice president accused him of insufficient gratitude for the help Ukraine received from the United States. Trump also told him that “they play with a third world war.” Later a clash occurred between the Ukrainian leader and a journalist from Real America’s Voice, Brian Glenn, who asked why he does not wear a suit. The conversations ultimately ended, and the Ukrainians were ejected from the White House. According to media reports, Zelensky’s attire was one of the reasons.
Kaynaklar: Axios, IAR, Gazeta.pl
