Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy humorously responds to a reporter who criticized his outfit months ago at the White House. Watch the viral exchange and find out more about the moment that has the internet buzzing.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently had a memorable exchange with reporter Brian Glenn at the White House, several months after Glenn criticized his attire during an earlier visit. This time, Zelenskyy didn’t let the moment pass without delivering a sharp and humorous response.
In February 2025, during his first meeting at the White House, Zelenskyy came under scrutiny from Glenn, a reporter for Real America’s Voice. Glenn questioned the Ukrainian leader’s choice to not wear a suit, despite being at such a high-profile meeting. “You’re at the highest level in this country’s office, and you refuse to wear a suit,” Glenn remarked, before asking if Zelenskyy even owned a suit.
Zelenskyy’s calm and direct response was a memorable one: “I will wear a costume after this war finishes. Maybe something like yours, yes? Maybe something better, I don’t know. We will see.”
Months later, the two crossed paths again on August 18, 2025, during a second meeting at the White House, where the mood was lighter and the atmosphere far from the tension of their first encounter. Glenn greeted Zelenskyy with an apology, saying, “You look fabulous in that suit.” Donald Trump, seated nearby, quickly chimed in with, “He’s the one that attacked you last time.”
With a smile, Zelenskyy replied, “I remember,” and then, in a playful tone, added, “You’re in the same suit… You see, I changed. You did not.” The lighthearted comeback sparked laughter in the room and quickly went viral across social media platforms.
The video of the exchange was shared widely, with mixed reactions pouring in. Some fans praised Zelenskyy for his sense of humor, while others found the moment “embarrassing.” One supporter posted, “Epic comeback,” while another commented, “Zelensky, you look good in anything you wear. A very attractive man.”
Some critics took the opportunity to criticize both Zelenskyy’s and the administration’s behavior, with one viewer calling it “petty” and another sarcastically commenting, “First rate journalist right there 🙄.”
Zelenskyy’s response also sparked a broader discussion on his wardrobe choices. Ahead of the meeting, Ukrainian designer Elvira Gasanova anticipated a more formal outfit from Zelenskyy. Despite some expectations, Gasanova clarified that Zelenskyy does not work with a personal designer and that his fashion choices continue to reflect his personality.
Many see Zelenskyy’s attire as a symbol of solidarity with his people and a subtle rejection of elitism. Ukrainian war journalist Illia Ponomarenko explained that Zelenskyy’s clothing choices, even when meeting with world leaders, reflect the identity of the average Ukrainian involved in the war effort, signaling that he is a representative of his people.
The exchange between Zelenskyy and Glenn is just the latest example of how fashion and public appearances intersect with global politics. As Zelenskyy continues to break traditional molds, his ability to handle tough moments with grace and humor has earned him admiration from many around the world.
