Volodymyr Zelenskyy trolled over casual look during meeting with Donald Trump in Paris: 'Put on a suit'

PARIS, FRANCE: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's wardrobe choices have always tried to portray him as a boots-on-the-ground military man than a board member, and his appearance in Paris was no exception.

While other leaders including French President Emmanuel Macron and President-elect Donald Trump opted for business chic, Zelenskyy rolled up like he just came from a military strategy meeting.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy slammed on social media over 'thrift store' outfit

But many on social media weren't buying it and excoriated the Ukranian leader.

“Everybody is dressed business attire. But not Zelenskyy. He shows up in a sweater and jacket. He’s an embarrassment, or should be,” wrote one X user.

"You think after all the billions he stole from us he’d buy a suit??" read a comment.

"His Che Guevara style has always bothered me. Put on a suit when you leave the country. We all know you didn’t come out a trench somewhere," someone else snarked.

"Zelenskyy reminds me of the friend that was introduced via another friend and always shows up to events that no one wants him too. Aka he is the friend of a friend that no one likes," another offered.

One individual said, "The US liberal made billionaire trying to look like a pauper. I’m not deceived."

"It's a charade too. He never dressed like that before the war!!" added another.

While most critics were furiously clutching their pearls over Zelenskyy’s fashion choice, he found an unlikely ally in Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman—a fellow hoodie aficionado.

Fetterman shrugged off the criticism, telling the New York Post that Zelenskyy’s look was a “mood.”

Volodymyr Zelenskyy once called a 'bloody jerk' for his couture

Volodymyr Zelenskyy isn’t new to making statements with his wardrobe. Remember the black T-shirt emblazoned with "Make Russia small again"?

A cheeky nod to Ukraine’s recent territorial gains, the shirt set off a war of words. Russia’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova couldn’t help but lash out, labeling Zelenskyy a “bloody jerk” and mocking the slogan’s ambiguity: “Small as what? The USSR? The Russian Empire? Oh, I got it! As the Kievan Rus.”

For Zelenskyy, his military-inspired attire has become a part of his brand. Since the start of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, his dark green T-shirts and rugged sweaters have become a visual shorthand to depict him as never off-duty. He’s in the trenches metaphorically, even if not physically.

But not everyone’s here for the “everyman at war” vibe. Trump advisor Roger Stone didn’t mince words, calling Zelenskyy’s casual style “disrespectful to the American people.” He told the Post, “He wore a suit and tie to the World Economic Forum event, but can’t wear one to address a joint session of Congress or meet the President-elect of the United States?”

Whether you’re team sweatshirt or team suit, there’s no denying Zelenskyy’s outfits are part of a larger strategy. It offers a stark contrast to the pomp and pageantry often associated with global diplomacy—and it’s worked in rallying allies, donations, and military aid.

Not everyone is impressed, of course. Trump — who has repeatedly expressed admiration for Russian President Vladimir Putin — doubled down on his criticism of Zelenskyy just months ago.

In September, Trump dismissed the Ukrainian leader as “the greatest salesman on earth,” accusing him of hoodwinking the US into shelling out excessive aid, Business Insider reported.

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