In a semi-serious remark to Axios, a senior adviser to the U.S. president suggested that if Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky wears formal attire during his upcoming meeting with Donald Trump, it might be seen as “a positive sign for peace.”
“We don’t expect him to, but it would be great if he also wore a tie,” the official added.
Zelensky’s military-style clothing during his last meeting with Trump in March reportedly sparked verbal clashes in the Oval Office and strained relations between the two countries. Sources said that Trump was displeased with the wartime outfit, and that J.D. Vance—Trump’s vice-presidential running mate—was even more upset by the appearance than Trump himself.
Despite the controversy, Zelensky is expected to wear the same black jacket he donned at the recent NATO summit in the Netherlands, where U.S. officials said Trump appreciated his more businesslike attire.
The two leaders are scheduled to meet tonight at the White House.
Earlier today, Zelensky posted on X that he had arrived in Washington and would be meeting with Trump. “We all want this war to end swiftly and reliably,” he wrote. “But it must be a lasting peace—not like the past, when Ukraine was forced to surrender Crimea and parts of Donbas. Putin only used those concessions as a springboard for a new invasion.”
