Ukrainian attire stirs tensions in Trump-Zelensky meeting
The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, did not wear a suit to a meeting with Donald Trump, which displeased the former US President. However, other leaders in the past, such as Winston Churchill, have acted similarly.
President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, was advised by Donald Trump's team to wear a suit for the meeting at the White House. Nonetheless, Zelensky chose a black outfit, which, according to two sources cited by "Axios", irritated Trump before the meeting, which quickly turned into a disaster.
The conflict over Zelensky's attire
During the meeting, which took place in the context of the ongoing Ukraine conflict, it was the Ukrainian leader’s attire that became a contentious point. When Trump greeted Zelensky at the entrance to the West Wing, he remarked that his guest was "dressed up."
During a press conference, reporter Brian Glenn asked Zelensky why he wasn't wearing a suit, implying a lack of respect for the United States. The President of Ukraine responded succinctly: "I will wear (a) costume [costume means suit in Ukrainian - ed.] after this war will finish. Maybe something like yours, maybe something better… Maybe something cheaper," he replied tersely.
The symbolism of attire
Zelensky, who was elected as president in 2019, often wears olive sweaters adorned with the Ukrainian trident, along with military boots. His attire signifies to the world that Ukraine remains at war and expresses solidarity with the armed forces and those fighting on the front lines.
Before the war, Zelensky wore suits, reflecting his role as head of state. However, since the conflict began, he has stated that he would not return to formal attire until the war concludes.
Comparisons to other leaders
On social media, it was quickly pointed out that Elon Musk also did not wear a suit during his recent visit to the White House. Posts directed at Donald Trump included pictures of Winston Churchill, who during World War II visited the White House in a "siren suit." This outfit, which can be quickly donned and removed, was originally used on the way to air raid shelters.
Winston Churchill wore this one-piece suit during his visit to President Franklin D. Roosevelt, as he tried to persuade the American public to join the war effort.
Ironically, a bust of Churchill was in the room during the Trump-Zelensky meeting, which concluded without an agreement on minerals, for which the Ukrainian leader travelled 8,000 kilometres. After the unsuccessful talks at the White House, Zelensky went to the United Kingdom for a summit with European leaders.
