‘Finally Wears A Suit…’: Zelenskyy Sparks Meme Fest After Ditching Combat Look At NATO

Last Updated:June 26, 2025, 07:10 IST

Zelenskyy appeared wearing a black suit-style jacket and shirt at the royal dinner hosted by King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima at the royal palace in Den Bosch.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy at NATO (Image Credit: Reuters)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy sparked a meme fest on social media platforms after he appeared at the NATO summit in The Hague wearing a black suit-style jacket and shirt- a noticeable departure from his wartime wardrobe.

Often seen at major events in his military-style outfit, the Ukrainian leader marked a subtle shift in visual tone from his usual combat gear to something more diplomatically formal, months after he was publicly ridiculed during a tense Oval Office meeting with US President Donald Trump for not wearing a suit.

Zelenskyy appeared wearing a black suit-style jacket and shirt at the royal dinner hosted by King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima at the royal palace in Den Bosch.

The formal dinner was attended by heads of state and top defence delegations, among others.

Internet Reacts To Zelenskyy’s Attire

Recent photos and videos of the Ukrainian leader wearing a tailored black suit quickly went viral, prompting a resurgence of debate about the symbolic meaning of clothing.

“Zelensky is capable of wearing a suit. Not at the White House or the Congress, but for his benefactors in Europe," a netizen commented.

Another one quipped, “Zelensky finally wears a suit at the Hague so he can ask Trump for more money."

One user even pointed out that Ukraine President was “withholding the tie."

Zelenskyy Questioned For Not Wearing Suit

During the tense Oval Office photograph opportunity with Trump in March, Zelenskyy’s decision to show up to the White House in his trademark military attire was questioned as a reporter asked him, “Why don’t you wear a suit? Do you own a suit?"

Zelenskyy, visibly annoyed, responded sharply, “I will wear costume after this war finishes. Maybe something like yours. Maybe something better." (In Ukrainian, “kostyum" refers to a suit.)

Since the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Zelenskyy has been seen in military-style gear- sweatshirts, field jackets, cargo pants- to project solidarity with troops on the front lines. Even during diplomatic visits abroad, including meetings with Pope Francis and world leaders like UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Zelenskyy has kept to that dress code.

Shobhit Gupta

Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben...Read More

Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben...

Read More

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News viral ‘Finally Wears A Suit…’: Zelenskyy Sparks Meme Fest After Ditching Combat Look At NATO