President Volodymyr Zelensky | Source: Getty Images
President Zelenskyy’s Attire During EU Leaders’ Meeting Sparks Discussion
Aug 19, 2025 - 11:59 A.M.
The media buzz around the Ukraine leader's relaxed attire comes after he was ridiculed for his choice of outfit earlier this year when he met with President Trump and J.D. Vance.
President Volodymyr Zelensky met with European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen for a press briefing on Sunday, August 17, at the Berlaymont in Brussels, Belgium. The briefing took place ahead of their virtual summit with several other European leaders.
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and EU Commision President Ursula Von der Leyen shake hands prior to a virtual meeting with EU leaders in the Berlaymont, the EU Commission headquarter, on August 17, 2025, in Brussels, Belgium. | Source: Getty Images
It came as the state heads — including Von der Leyen, French President Emmanuel Macron, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, and more — announced that they would join Zelenskyy at his meeting for peace talks with President Donald Trump on Monday, August 18.
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy speaks with the media prior to a virtual meeting with EU leaders in the Berlaymont, the EU Commission headquarter, on August 17, 2025, in Brussels, Belgium. | Source: Getty Images
At the press conference, Zelenskyy wore casual all-black attire, featuring a simple crew-neck t-shirt layered under a buttoned jacket with front pockets. His look is completed with straight-cut trousers and black lace-up sneakers.
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and EU Commision President Ursula Von der Leyen greet one another prior to a virtual meeting with EU leaders in the Berlaymont, the EU Commission headquarter, on August 17, 2025, in Brussels, Belgium. | Source: Getty Images
His laid-back style, ahead of his meeting with Trump, sparked social media buzz as photos of him shaking hands with officials — who notably wore suits — circulated.
Some criticized the Ukrainian leader. "No class," one netizen said. "He will be the only one in the room without a suit. Sort of disrespectful to everyone attending for his needs," another added. Still, others came to his defense.
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy speaks with the media prior to a virtual meeting with EU leaders in the Berlaymont, the EU Commission headquarter, on August 17, 2025, in Brussels, Belgium. | Source: Getty Images
"Zelensky's not here to play dress-up. He's here to deliver truth, not fashion statements," one person argued. "Zelenskyy can give a masterclass to MAGA on how to be an alpha male. Yet MAGA will still look to Trump on what to do," someone else noted.
President Donald Trump meets with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House on August 18, 2025, in Washington, DC. | Source: Getty Images
For his meeting with Trump, White House officials asked if Zelenskyy would wear a suit and suggested it would be wise if he did. Indeed, Zelenskyy appeared in suit-style attire but opted against a tie.
