Discussions over Volodymyr Zelensky's outfit choices have resurfaced ahead of his upcoming meeting with Trump at the White House on Monday, August 18, 2025.

According to sources cited by Axios, US officials asked whether the Ukrainian president would wear a suit for his Oval Office meeting with Donald Trump.

This isn’t the first time Zelensky’s attire has drawn attention. During a March Oval Office visit, his military-style clothing displeased Trump, who sarcastically remarked, "He is all dressed up today."

Zelensky's outfit: A diplomatic statement?

Zelensky now plans to wear the same black jacket he wore at the NATO summit in the Netherlands in June, according to Axios. Though not a full suit, the outfit is more formal than his previous attire and marks the first time since the Russia-Ukraine war started in 2022 that he’s worn a business-style jacket.

“It is going to be 'suit-style' but not a full suit,” a source told Axios. A US official commented that at NATO, "Zelensky came like a normal human being, not crazy, and was dressed like somebody that should be at NATO. ... So they had a good conversation."

While the global focus is on the future of Ukraine, Zelensky’s attire has again become a topic of political and media interest. His choice of the NATO summit jacket reflects an effort to appear statesmanlike without abandoning the symbolism of wartime resilience.

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Trump’s views on appearance

Trump is known to value traditional presidential decorum, including formal dress. One advisor told Axios, partly in jest, that a suit would be "a good sign for peace," though another noted, "We don't expect him to."

The outfit controversy dates back to their March 2025 meeting, when Zelensky wore a black long-sleeved shirt featuring the Ukrainian trident and black slacks. Trump, reportedly irritated, believes that world leaders should "look the part," meaning wear a suit.

During the press conference that followed, conservative reporter Brian Glenn questioned Zelensky, "Do you own a suit? A lot of Americans have problems with you not respecting the dignity of this office."

Zelensky replied, "I will wear a costume when this war is finished. Maybe something like yours. Maybe something better. Maybe something cheaper." 

However, according to Axios, Vice President JD Vance, not Trump, reportedly took greater issue with Zelensky’s prior appearance.

Evolving diplomatic dynamics

Advisors cited by Axios say Zelensky has become more adept at engaging with Trump. “Give him some credit. He's not as bad as he used to be,” said one Trump aide. Another added, “They’ve traveled very, very far, both of them,” suggesting a more constructive atmosphere for this upcoming meeting.

Peace talks, political stakes

Scheduled for 1 pm Eastern time, the meeting will begin with a bilateral meeting between Trump and Zelensky, followed by broader talks involving key European leaders. The agenda focuses on ending the war in Ukraine and includes sensitive issues such as territorial concessions and NATO membership.

Trump is reportedly pushing for a settlement that would see Ukraine abandon efforts to retake Crimea and parts of Donetsk, while also ruling out NATO membership. Zelensky, backed by European allies, is expected to reject any terms that compromise Ukrainian sovereignty or territorial integrity.

Security guarantees for Ukraine will be a central issue. European nations hope to reinforce their support and ensure that Ukraine’s long-term safety and independence are safeguarded in any agreement.

The meeting follows the Trump-Putin summit in Alaska last week, which was described as "highly productive" and "constructive" by the American and Russian presidents.