Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with King Charles III on Sunday, March 2, to discuss the ongoing war in Ukraine.
While the meeting itself was described as positive, Zelenskyy’s choice of attire—his signature military-style outfit instead of a suit—sparked controversy online.
Zelenskyy’s Meeting with King Charles
After attending a European leaders’ summit focused on ending the war, Zelenskyy traveled to Sandringham to meet King Charles. The Ukrainian leader was “warmly received” and later expressed his gratitude, saying, “I’m very grateful for this meeting and for how His Majesty helps Ukraine and supports us. He’s met our warriors here, being trained in the UK, and we’re very thankful to the Royal Family for their support.”
Despite Charles showing no issue with Zelenskyy’s attire, many online were less accepting. Critics took to social media to complain, with some sarcastically questioning whether he “forgot his suit again” and others mocking his appearance.
However, Zelenskyy has previously explained his wardrobe choices. When asked last week by Brian Glenn, chief White House correspondent for Real America’s Voice, why he never wears a suit, the Ukrainian leader replied, “I will wear a costume after this war will finish,” referring to his commitment to wearing military-style clothing since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022.
He even joked, “Maybe something like yours, maybe something better. We will see. Maybe something cheaper.” In Ukrainian, “kostium” means “suit,” which may have led to some linguistic confusion in his response.
Clashes with Trump and Vance at the White House
During his U.S. visit, Zelenskyy also met with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House, where tensions quickly escalated. Trump, joined by Vice President JD Vance, warned Zelenskyy that he was “gambling with World War Three” and accused him of being ungrateful for American military support.
“In this entire meeting, have you said thank you?” Vance demanded, criticizing Zelenskyy for campaigning for the opposition in Pennsylvania months earlier. Trump also pressed him on the future of the war, stating, “Your people are very brave, but you’re either going to make a deal or we’re out, and if we’re out, you’ll fight it out.”
Vance went further, accusing Zelenskyy of being on a “publicity tour” rather than seriously working toward a resolution.
Adding to the controversy, the White House limited press access to the meeting, barring major news agencies Reuters and AP from attending as part of its new media policy.
A Debate Over Leadership and Image
Zelenskyy’s visit sparked debates over both his leadership approach and the symbolism of his attire. While his military clothing is a statement of solidarity with his troops, critics argue that diplomatic engagements—especially with world leaders—demand a different level of formality.
Meanwhile, his tense exchange with Trump and Vance further highlighted the challenges Ukraine faces in securing continued international support. As the war continues, so does the scrutiny of Zelenskyy’s every move—both on the battlefield and in the political arena.