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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived at the White House on Monday for a meeting with President Donald Trump and several European leaders dressed in a black military-style suit, a departure from his typical army-green colored outfits or polos.
The outfit retained nods to Ukraine’s ongoing war efforts while also accommodating the White House’s preference for a more formal suit, following the pair’s tense Oval Office meeting in February.
According to Axios, the White House asked Zelensky to wear a suit to Monday’s meeting following a tense Feb. 28 Oval Office encounter, during which Trump criticized the Ukrainian leader’s military attire. “He’s all dressed up today!” Trump told reporters at the time, in what was widely seen as a veiled jab.
Monday’s meeting, in contrast, was markedly more friendly as the two discussed potential peace initiatives with President Vladimir Putin, before being joined by a delegation of European leaders.
Read More: Trump Tells Zelensky to Forgo Regaining Crimea and Joining NATO Ahead of White House Meeting
The black suit also prompted a lighter moment Monday, when a conservative pundit who had previously criticized Zelensky offered a compliment.
“President Zelensky, you look fabulous in that suit,” Brian Glenn, White House correspondent for right-wing media group Real America’s Voice, said. Trump quickly jumped in— “I said the same thing.” He continued, pointing at Glenn, “And he’s the one that attacked you last time.”
Zelensky said he remembered Glenn, and jokingly noted he was wearing the same suit as he did during his first meeting with Trump.
Back in February, Glenn scolded Zelensky in a question in the Oval Office, asking him if he “owned” a suit. “A lot of Americans have problems with you not respecting the dignity of this office,” he said.
In response, Zelensky said: “I will wear a costume after this war will finish.”