Washington: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s meeting with President Trump at the White House on Friday descended into a fiery argument within minutes of their interaction.
The meeting that began with handshakes and smiles saw President Trump and Vice President JD Vance pressuring Ukrainian President to agree to end the war that Russia began.
During this embarrassing encounter, American reporter Brian Glenn asked Zelensky why he was not wearing a suit to the meeting in the United States' ‘highest level’ office.
Zelensky, wearing a black sweater with the trident symbol of his country, black cargo pants and boots, said ‘I will wear costume after this war will finish’.
Glenn asked ‘Why don't you wear a suit? Do you own a suit?’ just as President Trump, US Vice President JD Vance and other senior officials in the room looked on.
Zelensky quickly gained his composure and shot back at the reporter: ‘Do you have a problem?’
To which the reporter responded saying: ‘A lot of Americans have a problem with who don't respect the dress code of the Oval office.’
Zelensky said he would wear ‘costume’ after the war ends, adding that ‘Maybe something like yours, yes, maybe something better. I don't know, we will see. Maybe something cheaper. Thank you.’
Trump also cut in the conversation saying that he ‘liked’ Zelensky’s clothing saying ‘I do like your clothing, by the way’.
This was not the first time Zelesnky was wearing civilian clothes to official meeting involving international personalities.
Since the war broke out he was not seen in suit including his meeting with leaders of other countries while even addressing the UN General Assembly in 2023.