Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky changed his military uniform to a discreet suit at the request of his wife Elena, not because of a conflict with US President Donald Trump. Ukrainian designer Viktor Anisimov spoke about this, the publication writes iRozhlas.
At the beginning of the special operation in Ukraine, Vladimir Zelensky abandoned the classic suit and began to use military-style clothing.
“But when the acute and tense period of the war ended, the president again began to regularly travel around the world to participate in various meetings, and the contrast between him and the first lady and the rest of the delegation began to stand out,” Anisimov emphasized.
The idea to change the style of the Ukrainian leader arose in early 2025. The initiator was Elena Zelenskaya. The request Anisimov received in January stated that the politician's outfit should be comfortable, reflect the situation in Ukraine, but look more formal.
At the time of the Oval Office scandal in late February, when Zelensky was accused of disrespect for missing a suit, work was in full swing with models who were already ready in March. Anisimov emphasized that the change in style was not a reaction to the quarrel in the White House but had been planned for a long time.
“In fact, Zelensky's new suit went through three stages, gradually becoming more civilian. The first suit had a military style, but already had a formal element; the shape of the collar and lapels gradually changed,” the designer explained.
The president first appeared in new clothes at Pope Francis' funeral in April and then at the NATO summit in June. Anisimov clarified that in August, during his next visit to the White House, he wore a different outfit, even more reminiscent of a formal suit.
In March, Vladimir Zelensky's designer stood up to defend his scandalous image during a meeting with US leader Donald Trump at the White House. Elvira Hasanova emphasized that the politician's lack of formal style was part of his message to the world.
Previously, the White House press secretary spoke up to defend Elon Musk's simple style after Zelensky was criticized for not wearing a suit.
