Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to wear a military-style outfit for his upcoming meeting with President Donald Trump in Washington, D.C., according to fashion designer Elvira Gasanova. Gasanova, who has previously collaborated with the Ukrainian leader, noted that Zelenskyy would likely choose a black military suit or a military-style shirt with trousers, possibly with a jacket. This decision comes after the Ukrainian president faced criticism for his informal attire during a previous visit to the White House in February, where he was reportedly questioned about whether he owned a suit.
Gasanova, founder of Ukrainian fashion brands GASANOVA and DAMIRLI, explained that Zelenskyy does not have personal stylists and has limited time for fittings due to the stress of the war and his fluctuating physical condition. She mentioned that the president has previously worn a range of clothing items, including vyshyvankas and polos, but has opted for more formal attire in recent weeks. The upcoming meeting follows just days after Trump met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine, marking the first U.S.-Russia summit since June 2021.
Zelenskyy’s visit to the White House in February, which preceded the high-stakes meeting with Trump, was marked by a tense exchange with the U.S. leaders over Ukraine’s peace demands and the extent of gratitude the country has expressed for American support. Gasanova emphasized that while Zelenskyy may appear in a more formal look, it will be less symbolic compared to his previous appearances. The president’s informal style has been criticized in the past, though Gasanova noted that Zelenskyy’s wardrobe is influenced by his personal preferences and the demands of his role as a wartime leader.
Despite the stress of the conflict, Zelenskyy has been working on maintaining his physical condition through regular training, which helps him rebuild muscle mass lost during high-stress periods. Gasanova noted that Zelenskyy is currently in Brussels, where he will finalize his attire for the Washington meeting. The White House and Zelenskyy’s press office have not yet commented on the designer’s predictions, but the meeting remains a significant diplomatic event, with European leaders also expected to attend and show solidarity with Ukraine.
The timing of the meeting follows the recent U.S.-Russia talks, with Trump and Putin attempting to address the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The potential for a breakthrough in diplomacy could influence the discussions during Zelenskyy’s meeting with Trump, further shaping the trajectory of the war. As the situation remains uncertain, the Ukrainian leader’s appearance and attire may symbolize both his resilience and the broader geopolitical stakes of the conflict.