Why Did Zelensky Choose a Jacket Over a Suit for Meeting with Trump?

Washington, Aug 18 (NationPress) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived for his pivotal meeting with US President Donald Trump on Monday, donning a black jacket, yet opting out of the traditional full suit and tie.

Prior to the meeting, a European official informed CNN that Zelensky's clothing choice sparked discussions among US and Ukrainian officials in anticipation of the White House talks.

The official indicated that the Trump administration recommended Zelensky avoid wearing his customary military attire.

Zelensky's clothing became a focal point during his controversial Oval Office meeting with Trump in February.

Upon welcoming the Ukrainian leader, Trump humorously remarked, "He's all dressed up today."

During that encounter, a reporter challenged Zelensky, asking, "Why don't you wear a suit? You are in the highest office of this country, and you choose not to wear one. Do you even own a suit? Many Americans feel that you are not respecting the dignity of this office," as reported by the BBC.

Zelensky replied, reiterating his stance since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022—that he would wear his military uniform until peace returns to Ukraine.

Striking a balance between formal wear and his usual attire, Zelensky presented himself at the White House on Monday in a black shirt paired with a black jacket.

This appeared to mirror the more formal outfit he donned during Pope Francis's funeral in April and at the NATO summit in the Netherlands in June.

The White House had previously inquired whether Zelensky intended to wear a suit for the Oval Office meeting, which will also involve several European leaders.

Zelensky headed into a crucial meeting with Trump, supported by a group of European leaders, aiming to bridge the widening gap with his US counterpart regarding a peace agreement with Russia.

Trump is urging Ukraine to make significant concessions following his recent summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, stating that Kyiv must relinquish Crimea and abandon its NATO aspirations—two of Moscow's primary demands.

However, Zelensky, who conferred with the Europeans before heading to the White House for the Trump meeting, encouraged Trump to pursue "peace through strength" against Russia and emphasized the necessity for US security guarantees.

Initially, Trump and Zelensky will have a private meeting in the Oval Office—drawing attention to whether there will be a repeat of the dramatic scenes from February when the US President and his deputy, J.D. Vance, openly criticized the Ukrainian leader.

Trump, 79, described it as a "big day at the White House" and appeared to be in an assertive mood, sharing numerous posts on social media.

"I know exactly what I'm doing," the US President asserted on his Truth Social network.

"And I don't require advice from individuals who have been involved in these conflicts for years and have yet to achieve anything to bring them to a close."

Later, Trump will meet separately with leaders from Britain, France, Germany, Italy, and Finland, as well as NATO Chief Mark Rutte and European Commission Chief Ursula von der Leyen.