During Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s go to to the White House on Monday, he spoke with a well-recognized determine – a right-wing reporter who had famously known as out his alternative of apparel throughout Zelensky’s contentious assembly with US President Donald Trump earlier within the 12 months.
This time, nonetheless, the tone – and the clothes – was markedly totally different.
“You look fabulous in that suit,” stated Brian Glenn, a pro-Trump pundit who works for MAGA streaming startup Real America’s Voice.
“I said the same thing,” Trump remarked, turning to Zelensky and telling him: “Isn’t that nice? That’s the one that attacked you last time.”
Zelensky, carrying an all-black jacket, shirt and slacks by Ukrainian dressmaker Viktor Anisimov, quipped to the reporter: “You are in the same suit. I changed, you did not.”
It would possibly look like an innocuous change – however Zelensky’s change in wardrobe displays the shift in tactics he’s taken within the months since that disastrous assembly in February, when Trump and Vice President JD Vance excoriated the Ukrainian president, calling him disrespectful and ungrateful in entrance of the world’s cameras.
The blowout argument within the Oval Office was over varied issues: the American leaders accused Zelensky of standing in the best way of a peace settlement with Russia, whereas Zelensky expressed disbelief on the notion of diplomacy with the nation that had invaded Ukraine.
But earlier than all of that, it was about Zelensky’s outfit.
Since the conflict started, Zelensky has turn out to be identified for his military-style shirts, usually in military inexperienced or black, and cargo pants. It’s the outfit he’s worn within the many televised nationwide addresses and speeches he’s delivered all through the battle – as if to remind his viewers they had been a wartime chief.
Widely considered a gesture of solidarity with Ukrainian troops, the outfit has turn out to be synonymous with Zelensky. But when he confirmed up in his typical minimalist garb to the White House in February, Trump was immediately displeased. “Oh, you’re all dressed up,” he remarked sarcastically, as he greeted Zelensky and shook his hand.
It felt significantly pointed from Trump – a showman and former tv host who has meticulously cultivated his picture through the years, from his customary swimsuit and tie to his love of all things gold (a coloration that now covers the White House, from gold cherubs within the Oval Office to gold collectible figurines on the mantle).
Before the Oval Office assembly devolved right into a shouting match, Zelensky was requested by the reporter, Glenn, why he was not carrying a swimsuit within the United States’ highest workplace.
“I will wear a costume after this war will finish, yes,” Zelensky stated, responding in English.
“Maybe something like yours, yes, maybe something better. I don’t know, we will see. Maybe something cheaper. Thank you.”
Things went south from there.
But nearly instantly afterward, Zelensky went into harm management – publicly thanking Trump and the United States for their assist of Ukraine, and working to restore his relationship with the president.
During subsequent encounters with Trump this 12 months, Zelensky additionally opted for extra formal clothes, together with on the Vatican for Pope Francis’ funeral and at a NATO summit within the Netherlands, the place he wore one other swimsuit by Anisimov.
He has been coached by some European leaders on higher method his counterpart – with a lot of these leaders exhibiting up on Monday on the White House in a present of Western unity and assist.
This time round, Zelensky even tailor-made his gift-giving to mirror Trump’s love of golf. He introduced Trump with a very particular membership that had been handed on to him by a wounded Ukrainian soldier who misplaced his leg within the first months of Russia’s full-scale invasion, in accordance with Ukraine’s presidential workplace.
Ahead of Monday’s assembly, US and Ukrainian officers mentioned Zelensky’s apparel – with the understanding he shouldn’t arrive carrying his typical military-style clothes, stated a European official.
The swimsuit nonetheless nods to the navy, constructed from military canvas cloth and with patch pockets throughout the jacket’s chest and vents on the again and sleeves, Anisimov stated in an electronic mail.
“In every piece, there is a reference to the classic suit – a deliberate step away from uniforms and toward a refined, dignified presence, while still remaining true to the wartime reality,” he wrote.
It seems the brand new look has paid off – with even Glenn taking a conciliatory tone after Trump praised Zelensky’s outfit.
“I apologize to you,” Glenn stated, referring to their February interplay. “You look wonderful.”