‘He Looks Beautiful’: Trump Praises Zelensky’s “Stylish” Jacket During White House Meeting
Ukrainian President trades military fatigues for formal wear as Trump lauds his new look
By Orlin Milinov
Washington, D.C. — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky set aside his trademark military fatigues on Friday, opting instead for a formal black suit during a lunch meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House — a wardrobe choice that immediately caught Trump’s attention.
During their meeting in the Cabinet Room, Trump was quick to comment on Zelensky’s change of style, saying with a smile:
“I think he looks beautiful in this jacket, yes, beautiful. I hope people notice. It’s good — it’s actually very stylish. I like it.”
The moment marked a notable shift in tone between the two leaders, coming just a day after Trump spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin about the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Zelensky’s Fashion Shift Draws Praise
Since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Zelensky has consistently appeared in military-inspired outfits — often olive-green polos and cargo trousers — as a show of solidarity with soldiers on the frontlines.
His choice to wear a black formal suit for this meeting stood out, signaling a diplomatic tone for his renewed engagement with Washington.
Not the First Time Zelensky “Suited Up” for Trump
This was not the first occasion on which Zelensky abandoned his military look for talks with Trump. During an earlier meeting in August, the Ukrainian leader wore a similar black suit when the two met with European officials, earning a similar compliment from Trump and conservative reporter Brian Glenn.
“You look fabulous in that suit,” Glenn remarked — a notable reversal from his earlier criticism of Zelensky’s casual attire during a February visit to the Oval Office.
“I said the same thing,” Trump interjected at the time. “That’s the one who attacked you last time,” he added jokingly, to which Zelensky laughed, “I remember that.”
From Fatigues to Formal: A Symbolic Gesture
Zelensky’s first meeting with Trump earlier this year was notably tense, with his trademark military-style trousers and black long-sleeved polo drawing criticism from U.S. officials who viewed it as “disrespectful” to the White House setting.
Back then, Trump had sarcastically commented, “All dressed up today, huh?” when he saw Zelensky enter the room. Conservative critics had also questioned why the Ukrainian president refused to wear a suit, arguing it diminished the “dignity” of his office.
Zelensky had responded firmly, saying he would continue wearing military attire until peace was restored in Ukraine — a statement that resonated with many Ukrainians enduring the war.
The Black Jacket That Keeps Returning
The black jacket that drew praise from Trump has become something of a signature piece for Zelensky in recent months. Designed by Kyiv-based fashion designer Viktor Anisimov, the jacket first made its public appearance in April during the funeral of Pope Francis, which Zelensky attended alongside First Lady Olena Zelenska.
Since then, the same ensemble has been seen at key diplomatic events, including meetings with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in June and during the NATO Summit in The Hague.
The subtle evolution of Zelensky’s style reflects his balancing act — maintaining his wartime image while re-engaging with Western allies diplomatically.
