Trump falls for Zelensky’s dapper look, 6 months after White House dressing down
Zelensky woos Trump with fashion diplomacy as the US president admires his Ukrainian counterpart’s black jacket and collared black shirt
The fates of nations have rarely, if ever, been decided by sartorial choices.
But Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was certainly hoping that a spot of fashion diplomacy on Monday could get US counterpart Donald Trump to help his country reach a peace deal with Russia.
Despite the life-and-death matters unfolding in Ukraine, much of the speculation among the White House press corps was about whether Zelensky would wear a suit.
In February, Ukraine’s wartime leader was ridiculed by a right-wing US reporter for wearing military-style garb instead of a business suit when he visited the Oval Office.
That mocking exchange set the tone for an astonishing blow-up a few minutes later when Trump and Vice-President J.D. Vance proceeded to berate Zelensky for not being “grateful” for US support against Russia’s invasion.
What a difference six months makes.