Zelensky changes tactics and outfit for Trump

Zelensky changes tactics and outfit for Trump

During the visit of the Ukrainian President Wolodymyr Selenskyj in the White House on Monday, he met a familiar figure - a right -wing reporter who criticized Selenskyj's clothing with President Donald Trump in February during the controversial meeting. This time, however, the sound was very different - both in the speech and in clothing.

A change in the cloakroom

"You look fabulous in this suit," said Brian Glenn, a Pro-Trump commentator who works for the streaming startup Real America’s Voice. "I said the same thing," said Trump and turned to Selenskyj: "Isn't that nice? This is the one who attacked you last time." Selenskyj, who wore a chic black field jacket, a black shirt and black pants, replied to the reporter with a joke: "You are in the same suit. I changed, you didn't."

Of conflicts and image management

This apparently harmless exchange illustrates Selenskyj's tactical change in the months since the failed meeting in February, when Trump and Vice President JD Vance publicly described the Ukrainian President as disrespectful and ungrateful. The heated dispute in the Oval Office was about various topics: the American leaders accused Selenskyj of standing in the way of a peace agreement with Russia, while Selenskyj found the belief in diplomacy with the country that attacked Ukraine as absurd.

The importance of clothing

Selenskyj's clothing has changed since the beginning of the war. He is known for his militarily inspired shirts in olive green or black and cargo pants, which he has in many of his national speeches. This uniform is intended to symbolize that Ukraine has a war leader and testifies to solidarity with the Ukrainian troops. But when Selenskyj appeared in the Weißen House in the usual minimalist outfit in February, Trump was immediately dissatisfied. "Oh, you made yourself chic," he noticed sarcastic as he shook his hand.

Damage limitation and strategy adjustment

After this incident, Selenskyj immediately caused damage limitation - he thanked Trump and the United States publicly for their support from Ukraine and tried to repair his relationship with the president. He received advice from European leaders how he could better deal with his counterpart, and many of these leaders were in the White House on Monday to demonstrate western unity and support.

New look, new possibilities

While the following encounters with Trump this year, Selenskyj also wore more formal clothing, for example at the funeral of Pope Francis and at a NATO summit in the Netherlands. Before the meeting on Monday, US and Ukrainian officials Selenskyj's clothing- and it was agreed that he should not appear in his usual military clothing. Obviously, this approach has paid off: Even Glenn chose a more conciliatory tone after Trump praised Selenskyj's new look. "I apologize to you," said Glenn and referred to her meeting in February. "You look wonderfully."