Although Volodymr Zelenskyy’s suitless attire for his meeting with King Charles III has generated a lot of online controversy, it is not an accident.
On Sunday, March 2, Zelenskyy, the president of Ukraine, attended a summit of European leaders on ending the war in Ukraine. He then met with the patriarch of the Royal Family at Sandringham.
After being “warmly received,” the political figure told reporters that he and King Charles had “a very good meeting.” He added, “I’m very grateful for this meeting and for how His Majesty helps Ukraine and supports us.” He has met our warriors who are undergoing training in the United Kingdom, and we are grateful to the Royal Family for their assistance.”
Even though Charles seemed to be okay with Zelenskyy not dressing in a suit for the event—something he has repeatedly justified—others were obviously much more offended, as evidenced by one social media user who asked, “Still no suit?”
Another remarked sarcastically, “I see you dressed for the occasion to meet the king of England,” while a third criticized him for still being in his jammies.
One of the four sulked: “But still no suit.”
Another asked, “You can’t even get dressed up to meet the King??” while a fifth exclaimed, “… and you forgot your suit again!”
Nonetheless, Zelenskyy has already given an explanation for his attire when he meets with other world leaders.
Brian Glenn, the main White House correspondent for the right-wing website Real America’s Voice, asked Zelenskyy last week: “Why don’t you wear a suit? Even though you hold the highest position in our nation’s office, you still don’t wear a suit.”
“Do you own a suit?” Glenn poked fun at it.
Referencing the fact that he has been wearing an army sweater and cargo pants since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, Zelenskyy initially seemed perplexed by the remark before responding that he would “wear a costume after this war will finish.”
“I don’t know, maybe it’s better, maybe it’s like yours. We shall see. He said to the reporter, “Perhaps something less expensive.”
“Kostium” means “suit” in Ukrainian and is pronounced “costume.”
President Donald Trump of the United States startlingly warned Zelenskyy that he was “gambling with World World III” during their meeting at the White House.
The international leaders discussed the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the ensuing conflict in the Oval Office.
Vice President JD Vance joined Trump in a vicious altercation with Zelenskyy, during which Trump accused him of being “disrespectful.”
When you gamble with World War Three, millions of people are watching you do it. Zelenskyy was admonished by the Republican, the first convicted felon to serve as president of the United States, “You’re gambling with World War Three.”
Vance and Trump also attacked Zelenskyy for not being “thankful” for the alleged military assistance the US provided to Ukraine.
“In this entire meeting, have you said thank you?” “Come on, Vance.”
“You went to Pennsylvania and campaigned for the opposition in October, offer some words of appreciation for the United States of America and the president who’s trying to save your country.”
“People are losing their lives… “You’re running low on troops,” Trump added.
Vance went on to accuse Zelenskyy of meeting with Trump while on a “publicity tour.”
The US president also advised the Ukrainian that in order to stop Russia’s assault, he had to quickly reach an agreement with the US.
“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,” Trump stated.
As part of its new media coverage strategy, the White House only invited a small group of journalists to attend the press conference in the Oval Office, preventing entry to two of the most reputable news organizations in the world, Reuters and AP.
