Hours before the high-stakes talks in Washington, a sudden White House directive sent shockwaves through the Ukrainian delegation. Multiple reports indicate that Zelensky would be required to follow a strict formal dress code for the meeting — a last-minute move that critics call humiliating and supporters frame as a needed return to presidential protocol.
Zelensky’s wartime olive attire has become a symbol for many — but the White House’s message is unmistakable: this is a formal diplomatic meeting
Why now? Insiders say the aim is to underscore tradition and parity among heads of state. Detractors argue the move risks distracting from urgent policy discussions just as the stakes peak. Either way, the optics are undeniable — and the pressure is on.
What happens next? All eyes are on Monday’s meeting. Will the Ukrainian leader comply, or does this eleventh-hour demand add new tension to the room? The answer could shape the tone of the entire visit.
