Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky faced criticism for his casual attire during his appearance at the formal reopening of the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. Zelensky, who wore a black sweatshirt, black slacks, and brown combat boots, also dressed similarly for his meeting with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace. In contrast, both Trump and Macron were seen wearing formal suits.
Roger Stone, an advisor to Trump, criticized Zelensky’s outfit, calling it “disrespectful to the American people.” He questioned why Zelensky, who had worn a suit and tie at the World Economic Forum, chose not to wear formal attire for significant diplomatic events such as meeting with the U.S. President-elect. Stone spoke to the *New York Post*, asking, “He can’t afford a suit?”
Despite the backlash, Zelensky responded in a post on X (formerly Twitter), expressing satisfaction with his “good and productive” trilateral meeting with Trump and Macron. He thanked both leaders for their collaboration and emphasized their shared goal of ending the war in Ukraine in a just manner. “We agreed to continue working together and keep in contact. Peace through strength is possible,” he wrote, sharing photos from the meeting.
Online reactions to Zelensky’s fashion choice were largely critical. Some commenters questioned his lack of formal attire for significant events. One user, identifying as French, remarked, “As a French person, I’m no fan of Macron, but at least we still know how to dress.” Others suggested that Zelensky could have used American tax dollars to buy a suit or criticized him for not dressing appropriately for the reopening of such an iconic cathedral. One comment asked, “Do you not own a suit?” while another pointed out, “Sad that Zelensky can’t dress like an adult after all the billions of dollars the world has given him.”
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