I changed, you didnt: Zelenskkys fun banter with US reporter over formal suit
At the recent meeting, Zelenskyy's attire not only drew the US President's attention but also earned praise from the US reporter who had criticised him for his casual outfit last time.
New Delhi: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskky, who had raised brows over his choice of outfit during his February meeting with US President Donald Trump, this time left the latter impressed as the two met at White House for the high-stakes talks on Russia-Ukraine conflict. Zelenskyy donned a black jacket-style suit as he arrived in Washington for the crucial meeting with Trump, contrasting February's tense encounter.
Trump greeted the Ukrainian warmly upon his arrival outside the White House, expressing admiration for his black suit. The Ukrainian leader's decision not to wear to ditch a suit and go with typical military clothes reportedly irritated Trump during the disastrous Oval Office meeting in February. At the recent meeting, Zelenskyy's attire not only drew the US President's attention but also earned praise from the US reporter who had criticised him for his casual outfit last time.
"You look fabulous in that suit," said Brian Glenn, the conservative reporter said as he complimented Zelenskyy. Trump was quick to jump into the conversation between Zelenskyy and Glenn and said, "I said the same thing."
"That's the one who attacked you last time," Trump said, reminding his Ukrainian counterpart, as officials and journalists present in the room burst into laughter.
"I remember that," Zelenskyy replied to Trump. "You're wearing the same suit," Zelenskyy told the reporter, making everyone in the room laugh their heart out.
During the previous meet in the Oval Office, Glenn had asked Zelenskyy, "Why don't you wear a suit? You're in the highest office in this country, and you refuse to wear one. Do you even own a suit? Many Americans feel you are not respecting the dignity of this office."
Responding to Glen, Zelenskyy explained that he had decided to wear his military garb until peace is achieved in Ukraine.
On Monday, Trump and Zelenskyy met in the White House to discuss pathways for a possible truce to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The meeting comes days after Trump and Putin held talks in Alaska.