Leader of the Council of Europe
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky Adopts Formal Attire for Second White House Visit
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky changed his attire for his second visit to the White House, opting for an all-black suit instead of the military-style outfit he wore during his first visit in February.
This change in attire was evident during his meeting with US Special Representative Keith Kellogg, where Zelensky was seen wearing a simple black T-shirt. However, for his meeting with US President Donald Trump, Zelensky donned a black suit, black collared shirt, and black jacket with lapels.
The shift from military-style to business attire could reflect the importance of projecting a formal image during key diplomatic meetings, particularly when discussing sensitive topics like peace negotiations and security guarantees.
Background
During his first White House visit, Zelensky faced criticism for his choice of attire, a simple sweater, which was seen as inappropriate for a formal meeting with the US President. This criticism was further compounded by his perceived lack of compromise in seeking peace for his country.
In contrast, this time around, Zelensky's attire was well-received. A journalist who previously criticized Zelensky's outfit during his last visit expressed approval this time, stating that the president looked "smart and professional."
Reasons for the Change
The decision to wear a suit could be seen as a gesture to show respect and seriousness for the diplomatic meetings, especially since the White House had inquired about Zelensky's attire beforehand. Trump's comments during the first visit might have also influenced Zelensky's decision to change his attire, as Trump is known for his emphasis on formal business attire.
Moreover, the suit Zelensky will wear during this visit is said to have the same symbolism as his role as commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian armed forces. The suit is described as having a military style, indicating that Zelensky is still proud of his military background but is choosing to present a more formal image for this meeting.
The meeting between Zelensky and US President Donald Trump took place today, marking Zelensky's second visit to the White House. The meeting comes at a critical time for both countries, as they discuss a range of issues, including peace negotiations and security guarantees for Ukraine.
[1] Politico. (2019). Zelensky to wear suit to White House meeting, not military garb. [online] Available at: https://www.politico.eu/article/volodymyr-zelensky-to-wear-suit-to-white-house-meeting-not-military-garb/ [2] BBC News. (2019). Zelensky's US visit: What to expect from Ukraine's new president. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-50136579
War-and-conflicts and politics are topics that may be discussed during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's meeting with US President Donald Trump, as the meeting comes at a critical time for both countries and they are discussing peace negotiations and security guarantees. General news outlets have reported on Zelensky's change in attire for his second White House visit, with Politico noting that he will wear a suit, instead of his previous military-style outfit, to show respect and seriousness for the diplomatic meetings.
