Zelenskyy Dons Formal Attire at NATO Summit in The Hague, Months After Oval Office Fiasco

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy today appeared at the NATO summit in The Hague in a rugged black suit-style jacket and shirt, notably without a tie, marking a significant departure from his characteristic military-style attire. This subtle yet noticeable wardrobe change comes months after he faced public ridicule for not wearing a suit during an Oval Office meeting with US President Donald Trump, an incident that had previously devolved into a shouting match.

Zelenskyy’s shift in appearance follows a contentious February meeting at the White House with Trump, where a reporter had publicly chastised him for his informal attire. At that time, Zelenskyy had famously retorted that he would wear formals only once the war in Ukraine concluded, a statement that resonated deeply with his supporters. Photos from the NATO summit, including those shared by Reuters, showed the Ukrainian leader embracing a more formal, albeit still rugged, look. Ukraine’s ELLE magazine lauded his changed appearance as “visual diplomacy of a new kind,” highlighting the strategic communication through his attire.

Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, President Zelenskyy has almost exclusively been seen in simple sweatshirts, often black or olive green, bearing the Ukrainian trident symbol, paired with cargo pants and combat boots. This consistent military-style wardrobe has served as a powerful symbol of solidarity with his nation’s troops and has been his standard dress code for numerous international visits and meetings with world leaders.

Instances of his consistent look include his meeting with Trump at Pope Francis’s funeral in Rome in April, where he sported a heavy black field jacket. He maintained a similar appearance when meeting British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in London on Monday, and again at the dinner hosted by the Dutch king preceding Wednesday’s NATO summit.

The initial negative focus on Zelenskyy’s attire at the White House by reporter Brian Glenn, who questioned his lack of a suit during a “highest level” visit, was widely condemned by Ukrainians. They largely rallied around their leader, appreciating his dedication to showing unity with his armed forces. Following the heated exchange with Trump, Zelenskyy has actively worked to mend ties with the US, which included signing a critical minerals deal in exchange for a joint investment fund for Ukraine’s reconstruction.