Zelenskyy’s decision to wear a long-sleeve t-shirt with a Ukrainian military insignia, instead of a suit, became a point of contention during his disastrous Oval Office encounter with Trump earlier this year.
Ahead of Monday afternoon’s meetings at the White House with Trump and European leaders, the Ukrainian leader met with Trump’s special envoy for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, wearing a dark half-sleeve t-shirt, according to video of the engagement Zelenskyy posted on X.
Zelenskyy has set aside the typical uniform of the dark suit and tie since the start of the full-scale Russian invasion of his country began in 2022. He’s said the choice is to show solidarity with soldiers fighting the Russian army.
But his clothing choice became an issue during the difficult February meeting with Trump.
“He’s all dressed up,” Trump said to reporters as he greeted Zelenskyy upon his arrival at the White House for the February meeting.
At the beginning of that last Oval Office meeting with Trump, a conservative journalist told Zelenskyy his attire was considered disrespectful by many Americans. Zelenskyy responded, in part, by saying, “I will wear a costume when this war is finished.”