Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived at the White House on Monday wearing a casual jacket over a collared shirt — a notable departure from his usual military-style attire that earned unexpected praise from President Donald Trump. The choice of outfit drew attention due to the high-stakes nature of the meeting and recent tensions between the two leaders.

Zelenskyy’s wardrobe became a diplomatic issue earlier in the day after he appeared at the Ukrainian Embassy in Washington wearing a t-shirt during a session with Trump’s Special Envoy, Keith Kellogg. That informal look prompted concern within the White House, which quickly communicated its expectation for more formal dress during the Oval Office meeting.

The sensitivity around Zelenskyy’s appearance stemmed from a previous visit in February, when his casual dress and lack of perceived appreciation for U.S. aid drew public criticism from Trump and Vice President JD Vance. That encounter ended abruptly, leaving Zelenskyy diplomatically embarrassed and prompting a reevaluation of his approach.

Ahead of Monday’s meeting, Ukrainian designer Elvira Gasanova revealed that Zelenskyy would adopt a “military-style suit” — intended to symbolize his role as a wartime leader while aligning more closely with Western norms. The final look, a collared shirt paired with a casual jacket, struck a middle ground between symbolism and formality.

Though some observers still found the outfit too casual for a head of state, Trump reacted positively. When Zelenskyy joked, “It’s the best I have,” Trump responded with, “I don’t believe it,” and added, “I love it.” The moment was seen as a modest but meaningful step toward mending diplomatic ties.