Volodymyr Zelenskyy faced criticism for not wearing a suit during his meeting with Donald Trump at the White House. “He is all dressed up today,” Trump commented as they entered the West Wing. Despite advice to dress formally, Zelenskyy stuck to his signature military-style attire, which he’s worn since the war began.

During the meeting, reporter Brian Glenn asked, “Do you own a suit?” Zelenskyy responded, “I will wear a suit after this war is over. Maybe something like yours. Maybe better, maybe cheaper.” He emphasized that discussions should focus on serious matters, not his clothing.

Glenn later tweeted, expressing empathy for Ukraine but questioning Zelenskyy’s outfit given the billions in U.S. aid. “The United States has given Ukraine over $120b… That’s hard earned tax dollars from Americans,” he wrote.

Zelenskyy’s consistent attire symbolizes solidarity with soldiers on the front lines. However, the debate highlights the ongoing scrutiny surrounding Ukraine’s leadership amid the war.

The war between Russia and Ukraine has claimed thousands of lives since it began in February 2022, with 95,000 Russian and over 46,000 Ukrainian soldiers reportedly killed.