Putting aside memories of his February ridicule, when Volodymyr Zelenskyy was excessively mocked for donning military-style clothes instead of a business suit for his prior Oval Office meet, the Ukrainian president revamped his fashion choices for his White House interactions with Donald Trump on Monday. What ultimately emerged as a display of sartorial diplomacy appears to have pleasantly appeased the US president as he, the wartime leader and his staunch European allies amid Russia’s war on Ukraine came together for potential peace deal negotiations.
Despite the fate of Ukraine hanging in the balance, US media seemed more occupied by questions about Zelenskyy’s potential ‘Outfit of the Day.’ Six months after right-wing reporter Brian Glenn bashed him for his garb at the time, Zelenskyy did not come to play. Making intentional choices to stay on Trump’s good side, the former TV comedian came decked out in an all-black look – a black jacket and black collared shirt. While it still remained a far cry from a professional suit, the Ukrainian leader affirmed it was “the best (he) had.”
Zelenskyy wows Trump with fashion choice for Oval Office meeting
Even with the grim developments enveloping Ukraine at the moment, Zelenskyy’s sartorial decision for the day earned him light-hearted appreciation, in a way, winning over Trump as well. While months ago, the US president slandered him for not being “grateful” for his support against Russia’s onslaught, the 79-year-old couldn’t help but admire the his 47-year-old counterpart’s attire.
“I can’t believe it, I love it,” Trump said admiringly. As Zelenskyy quipped, “It’s the best I had,” the POTUS hailed his look, saying, “You look fabulous.”
Trump wasn’t the only one to shower him with praises. When finally inside the premises, even Brian Glenn, the Real America’s Voice reporter, who was at the centre of the February debacle, said, “President Zelenskyy, you look fabulous in that suit!”
The MAGA leader eventually reminded Zelenskyy “that’s the one that attacked you last time.” Zelenskyy, however, needed no such reminders as he knew well enough who the man was. Taking his shot at the reporter, the Ukrainian deadpanned, “You are wearing the same suit” as his previous US visit.
Zelensky’s letter to Melania Trump
The 47-year-old also came bearing a gift with a personal touch, especially since the US First Lady Melania Trump wrote a “peace letter” to Russian President Vladimir Putin which was delivered to him before the closed-door interactions with her husband in Alaska on Friday. Sending out a message to the man behind the territorial war, she said it was time to protect children and “nurture the next generation’s hope.”
Returning the favour, Zelenskyy handed out a letter for Melania, which his wife Olena Zelenska had penned to thank the former model for addressing the issue at hand in a letter to Putin. Expressing his and his wife’s heartfelt gratitude for the gesture, the Ukrainian wartime leader said, “many thank to your wife, first lady of the United States.”
However, he handed the note with a firm message: “It’s not to you, [it’s] to your wife,” which got a laugh from Trump and others in attendance.” Grinning at the development, the US president joked, “I want it.”