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Amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, consciously chooses to not wear a suit and opts for military-style clothing to signal solidarity with Ukrainian soldiers and citizens.
As a wartime leader, his clothing represents his country under attack, which began in 2022.
What does Volodymyr Zelenskyy wear amid war?
Zelenskyy wears olive-green and black sweatshirts with the Ukrainian trident, t-shirts, and combat-style gear, reflecting unity with the Ukrainian armed forces and citizens fighting on the front lines.
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When will Volodymyr Zelenskyy wear a suit again?
In a February 2025 meeting with President Trump at the White House, Zelenskyy was asked why he didn't wear a suit "at the highest level in this country's office" by Brian Glenn, chief White House correspondent for conservative cable network Real America's Voice.
Responding to the question, the Ukrainian President said he would wear a "costume", meaning suit, "after this war will finish".
Not the first leader in history to make key wardrobe choices
Zelenskyy is not the first president to choose military uniform during troubling times, as British leader Winston Churchill wore a jumpsuit-like air raid outfit to meet the then-US President Franklin Roosevelt during World War II.
He also wore military uniforms and suits during conflabs with world leaders.
For the President, a classic suit is a sign of normalcy and peace, which are not part of Ukraine's current reality.
War reminder for world leaders
Zelensky, not wearing a suit during his foreign meetings with "suited-up" leaders of allied countries, provides the needed contrast of war and peace, a conscious political statement, and a reminder that says, "Ukraine is still at war."
"He is a man of the people, and he looks like a man of the people," said one Ukrainian minesweeper the Telegraph journalists interviewed three years ago about Zelensky's outfit of choice.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy at notable funerals
His support for his military also comes with respect for other individuals, as he opted for a suit-style outfit rather than his signature military outfit during Pope Francis' funeral in the Vatican in late April 2025.
For the sombre occasion, Zelenskyy wore a dark, suit-like blazer designed by Ukrainian designer Viktor Anisimov.
The outfit featured a black tailored military-style field jacket with patch pockets that was buttoned to the neck and was worn with a classic cotton shirt, straight-cut trousers and black shoes.
He also attended the funeral of King Harald of Norway, who died on August 28, 2026, at the age of 89, after he was taken to hospital for a rare blood condition, where he chose to not wear a formal suit
