Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy took a lighthearted jab at the ongoing discussion surrounding his attire, making a witty remark about not wearing a suit during a public event on Sunday (March 9).
In a video released by the Ukrainian presidency, Zelenskyy was seen addressing an audience at an awards ceremony. Clad in his signature black outfit featuring Ukraine’s trident symbol, he humorously said, “Sorry I’m not in a suit,” leaving the audience in splits.
His comment came ahead of Ukraine’s scheduled talks with US officials in Riyadh, which will be the first formal diplomatic meeting between Ukraine and the US since President Donald Trump took office on January 20.
Why Attire of Zelenskyy Has Sparked Debate
Since the invasion began, President Zelenskyy has worn military-style clothing; this attire symbolizes his unity with Ukrainian soldiers fighting on the battlegrounds. It underscores Ukraine’s strength and show of resistance, making a statement at both national and international appearances.
However, his attire became a topic of discussion during his visit to Washington, DC, on February 28. A conservative American reporter directly questioned Zelenskyy about his clothing, 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?”
Zelenskyy responded firmly, saying, “I will wear the costume when this war is over.”
Even Trump made a subtle remark about Zelenskyy’s outfit upon welcoming him to the Oval Office, stating, “You’re all dressed up today.”
A Symbolic Fashion Statement
Despite the scrutiny, many argue that Zelenskyy’s attire serves as a powerful statement rather than a lack of decorum. Ukrainian journalist Illia Ponomarenko, speaking to Politico, emphasized that Zelenskyy’s choice of clothing is a form of messaging.
“When he meets with prominent figures and power brokers, his clothes are basically asking, what are you about? Are you about the business of saving lives, or are you about fancy protocols? Even when he meets with kings, he dresses in a way that represents the average Ukrainian involved in this war effort. So it’s a message to say, ‘I’ve come to the corners of power as a representative of my humble people’,” Ponomarenko said.
The Ukrainian trident, a national symbol featured on his attire, further reinforces his role as a wartime leader. Ukrainian designer Elvira Gasanova previously stated that the trident distinguishes him from traditional political figures, emphasizing his focus on Ukraine’s ongoing fight rather than formal appearances.
With the critical diplomatic engagement Ukraine is trying to navigate, the dressing of Zelenskyy remains one of the dominant features of his leadership, indicating that his agenda transcends style and protocol.
