Volodymyr Zelenskyy faced criticism for not donning a suit during his visit to the White House.
The Ukrainian president was welcomed to President Trump’s official residence on Friday, February 28, but the meeting soon turned contentious.
A significant focus of their discussion was the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, which erupted in February 2022 following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The BBC reports that approximately 95,000 Russian military personnel have lost their lives in the conflict, while The Kyiv Independent states that over 46,000 Ukrainian soldiers have been killed.
With the tremendous loss of life, world leaders are eager to see the conflict come to an end, including Trump.
Although Zelenskyy was invited to the White House, the meeting began on a tense note as Zelenskyy opted against formal attire.
“He is all dressed up today,” Trump remarked as the two entered the West Wing.
Sky News reports that Zelenskyy disregarded suggestions to wear more formal clothing for the occasion.
During the Oval Office meeting, a reporter named Brian Glenn questioned Zelenskyy, asking, “Why don’t you wear a suit? You’re at the highest level in this country’s office, and you refuse to wear a suit. Do you own a suit?”
Since the outbreak of the war, Zelenskyy has often been seen in black, military-style attire during official engagements.
In response to Glenn’s remarks, Zelenskyy said, “I will wear a suit after this war is over. Maybe something like yours. Maybe better, maybe cheaper.”
He emphasized that his focus was on addressing the pressing issues at hand.
However, Glenn continued to criticize Zelenskyy’s attire.
The MAGA supporter, who is in a relationship with controversial congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, later commented on the matter on Twitter.
In his post, he expressed empathy for the people of Ukraine and all affected by the devastating war, acknowledging the irreplaceable loss of lives and the need for the conflict to end.
He mentioned, “The United States has given Ukraine over $120b (some say it’s close to 300b) in assistance. That’s hard-earned tax dollars from Americans. (Which most Americans are against funding).
“President Zelenskyy has worn the green jumpsuit (or something similar) on every occasion when meeting other world leaders, dressed respectfully for the occasion.”
Glenn concluded that ‘you can judge a book by its cover’.