Suit looks good, says Trump as Zelenskyy ditches sweatshirt at White House

Volodymyr Zelenskyy swapped his wartime sweatshirt for a suit at the White House, a shift in tone during his latest meeting with Donald Trump after February's tense clash

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky appeared at the White House on Monday dressed in a black suit and tie, a break from his signature military-style sweatshirt that has defined his wartime image. The same image that may have fuelled the clash with US President Donald Trump earlier this year.

 

Trump appeared to greet the Ukrainian leader warmly, pointing at him as they shook hands before placing an arm around his shoulder for photographers. The exchange carried an air of cordiality, a stark contrast to the pair’s meeting in February.

 

A reporter was quick to comment, "President Zelenskyy, your suit looks good." At which point, Trump jumped in with, "I said the same thing." 

 

VIDEO | Washington DC: US President Donald Trump (@realDonaldTrump) welcomes Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (@ZelenskyyUa) as he arrives at the White House.  (Source: Third Party)  (Full video available on PTI Videos- https://t.co/dv5TRAShcC) pic.twitter.com/O3c2HoDjVJ

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 18, 2025

 

Since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, Zelensky has avoided suits, choosing instead olive and black military-inspired clothing as a show of solidarity with soldiers on the front lines. But in February, that uniform became the flashpoint of a now infamous Oval Office encounter. 

 

Trump, Zelenskky White House confrontation

Back then, Trump had greeted Zelensky with a jab. “You’re all dressed up today,” he remarked, noting the Ukrainian leader’s black sweatshirt adorned with the national trident. The exchange soured further when Vice President JD Vance suggested Zelensky’s refusal to wear a suit was “disrespectful”. 

 

That meeting, broadcast live, quickly derailed and ended after Trump and Vance accused Zelensky of not showing sufficient gratitude for US aid. 

 

Vance pressed the Ukrainian leader to issue a public expression of thanks, asking, “Have you said ‘thank you’ once?” When Zelensky tried to answer, Trump cut him off. The clash ended with Zelensky leaving Washington empty-handed, having failed to secure a mineral rights deal that was central to his visit.

 

On Monday, however, Zelenskyy began the meeting by thanking Trump and allies, including European leaders, for their ongoing support, a gesture that seemed aimed at avoiding a repeat of February’s confrontation. 

VIDEO | During the meeting with US President Donald Trump ahead of talks on Russia-Ukraine war, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says, "Thank you for the invitation and for your personal efforts to stop the killings and this war. I also want to express my gratitude to the… pic.twitter.com/EVw8NrgbHT

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 18, 2025