Volodymyr Zelensky delivered the perfect comeback to the journalist who sparked an international row over his clothing choices. The Ukrainian President wore a sleek black suit to his White House meeting with Donald Trump on Monday, abandoning his usual military fatigues for crucial peace talks.
The moment of redemption came when Brian Glenn, Chief White House Correspondent for Real America's Voice, complimented Zelensky's appearance. "President Zelensky, you look fabulous in that suit. You look good," Glenn said during the press conference.
Trump immediately seized the opportunity to highlight the irony, pointing at Glenn and telling Zelensky: "I said the same thing, and this is the one that attacked you last time." Zelensky delivered his killer line with perfect timing: "I remember that. You are in the same suit. You see I changed mine!" The witty retort drew laughter from the room, with Glenn graciously responding: "Maybe yours is much better than mine."
February flashback
The exchange marked a stark contrast to their explosive February encounter when Glenn aggressively questioned Zelensky's attire choices. "Why don't you wear a suit? You're the highest level in this country's office and you refuse to wear a suit," Glenn had demanded, before asking: "I just want to see - do you own a suit?"
Zelensky had hit back then: "I will wear (a) costume after this war will finish. Maybe something like yours, maybe something better., I don't know. We will see. Maybe something cheaper." That February meeting descended into chaos with shouting matches between Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance, and Zelensky.
Diplomatic symbolism
Zelensky has consistently worn combat clothing since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, including during visits to Buckingham Palace and Downing Street. According to the Independent, the White House had specifically enquired about Zelensky's attire plans before Monday's meeting.
The black military-style jacket maintains symbolic military elements while appearing more formal, with body language expert Darren Stanton interpreting the suit choice as a conciliatory diplomatic signal, the Mirror reports. He previously vowed to wear formal suits only after the war ends.
Sources used: "PA Media", "Independent", "Mirror" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
