Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Sunday ‘apologised’ for ‘not being in a suit,’ days after his choice of attire was questioned by an American journalist during the Ukrainian leader’s meeting with US President Donald Trump and vice president JD Vance at the White House last month.
Speaking at an awards ceremony, Zelenskyy, a former comedian, concluded his speech with a light-hearted acknowledgement: “Sorry I’m not in a suit”, drawing smiles and applause from the audience.
Zelenskyy, who spoke in Ukrainian, appeared in a black ensemble featuring the country’s trident emblem, an outfit similar to the one he wore for his meeting with Trump and Vance, who would go on to have an argument with him on live TV.
Since the war with Russia broke out in February 2022, the 47-year-old has been favouring military-style clothing in khaki or black instead of formal suits. His staff have adopted similar attire.
Who was the journalist who questioned Zelenskyy’s clothes?
Brian Glenn, a right-wing broadcaster, was the one who questioned the Ukrainian politician’s informal dress. In response, the latter said he would resume wearing suits once the war concluded.
According to reports, Trump, too, felt ‘annoyed’ about Zelenskyy’s casual dress, particularly after US advisors suggested formal attire would show ‘more respect.’ He greeted his Ukrainian counterpart with sarcasm about the latter’s clothing before launching into harsh criticism.
What Russia said on argument between Trump-Vance and Zelenskyy
Hours after the extraordinary exchange, Russia’s foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said the US President and vice president displayed a ‘miracle of restraint’ by ‘refraining from striking’ Zelenskyy.
Zelenskyy, Zakharova said, was a ‘scumbag.’
Why did the argument occur?
The days leading up to the meeting had been tense, with Trump and Zelenskyy clashing on social media. The meeting, which was being held to sign a deal for Ukraine’s minerals, snowballed into a verbal altercation as Trump and Vance felt Zelenskyy had not thanked the United States ‘enough’ for its help during the war, which completed three years on February 24.
(With AFP inputs)
