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The suit worn by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who visited the U.S. White House to discuss ending the war, has become a hot topic.

NYT described it as "a kind of fashion demilitarized zone between militant and classic."

Foreign media reported that unlike six months ago on February 28, when he wore combat gear, this time he appeared more formal.

At that time, President Zelensky visited the White House wearing military-style clothing with black cargo pants and combat boots, to which then-U.S. President Donald Trump sarcastically said, "You are well dressed today."

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's black suit, which he wore during his visit to the White House on August 18 (local time), has become a topic of discussion. Although he did not wear a tie, he met with U.S. President Donald Trump in an all-black ensemble consisting of a black shirt, jacket, and pants.

The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported, "The jacket was designed by Ukrainian designer Viktor Anisimov and made from military canvas material, maintaining elements of combat attire, but with slits in the back and sleeves to give it a more casual, everyday look."

AFP Yonhap News

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Unlike six months ago, on February 28, when he appeared at the White House in combat gear, this time he presented a much more formal appearance. At that time, President Zelensky wore military-style clothing, including black cargo pants and combat boots, and was mocked by President Trump. Trump sarcastically remarked, "You are well-dressed today," and there was analysis that Zelensky's attire had a negative impact on the summit.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and U.S. President Donald Trump are having a meeting on February 28 (local time) and are clashing loudly. /AFP Yonhap News Photo

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Additionally, Brian Glenn, a reporter from the conservative U.S. media outlet Real America Voice, mocked President Zelensky by asking, "Why aren't you wearing a suit?" and "Do you even own a suit?"

At the summit between the United States and Ukraine held on the 18th, Brian Glenn of Real America Voice (center right) is speaking to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky about his attire. Photo by the White House

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Six months later, seeing President Zelensky at the White House again, Glenn praised his changed attire, saying, "The suit looks really great. It’s very impressive." President Trump added, "I said the same thing. Isn't it great?" and told President Zelensky, "That was the guy who attacked you last time." President Zelensky replied, "I remember," and said to Glenn, "I changed my clothes, but you stayed the same." This reportedly caused laughter among Trump and the press corps.

Brian Glenn, a White House correspondent for the conservative American media outlet Real America Voice with a pro-Trump stance, is broadcasting on the 18th (local time) with the White House in Washington DC in the background. /Photo by X capture

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Meanwhile, there were reports that President Zelensky wore a suit this time at the request of the White House. According to WSJ, "The White House requested that the Ukrainian delegation wear a suit and tie." President Zelensky had previously stated that he would not wear a suit or tie again until Ukraine found peace.

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Since the outbreak of the war in February 2022, President Zelensky has consistently appeared in public wearing so-called "wartime attire," such as a black T-shirt with a trident emblem and military-style pants, symbolically representing the ongoing conflict.

After the president's attire became the subject of ridicule at the February summit, the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs posted several photos on its official social media accounts with the caption, "Ukrainians have our own suit," featuring soldiers in military gear, doctors in bloodstained surgical gowns, and firefighters rescuing citizens at bombing sites.

A photo posted on Instagram by the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on March 2 (local time) with the caption "Ukrainians have their own traditional attire." / Instagram capture

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Furthermore, the ministry stated, "Hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians have changed from work uniforms to military uniforms to protect their homes and families," adding, "While the appearance of Ukrainians' clothing may look different during wartime, all of it carries the utmost dignity."

"Zelensky will wear a suit, but his style will still maintain a military tone."

"He is the leader of a country at war" - Elvira Gasanova, Zelensky's wardrobe brand designer -