Today, Volodymyr Zelensky swapped his usual combat attire for a sleek black suit, timed perfectly for an important meeting with Donald Trump at the NATO summit.
The two leaders were photographed in intense discussion in The Hague, where Zelensky shared documents and updates from the Ukraine war frontlines with Trump.
The change in Zelensky’s attire was noticeable, especially since Trump had earlier critiqued him in the Oval Office this year for not dressing in a suit.
This time, the Ukrainian leader went full statesman mode in head-to-toe black, looking ready for diplomacy as he pushed for American air defence systems and co-production of drones.
Writing on X, Zelensky said: “We discussed the protection of our people with the President — first and foremost, the purchase of American air defense systems to shield our cities, our people, churches, and infrastructure.”
“Ukraine is ready to buy this equipment and support American weapons manufacturers. Europe can help.”
He added: “Putin is definitely not winning. I presented the President with the facts about what is really happening on the ground.”
Trump, meanwhile, described their meeting as a roaring success.
At a press conference following the Nato summit, he said it “couldn’t be nicer” and praised Zelensky for “fighting a brave battle”.
He also claimed Zelensky “wants a ceasefire” and hinted at personally speaking with Vladimir Putin to end the war, though he admitted the Russian leader has been “more difficult” than expected.
The face-to-face came on the sidelines of what’s being dubbed Trump’s “victory lap” in The Hague, after US-led B-2 bombings allegedly knocked out Iran’s Fordow nuclear facility in a dramatic weekend blitz.
“The bombing of Iran has reasserted US military power and showed the strength of America,” Trump said.
He also hailed Nato’s new five per cent GDP defence spending pledge as “historic”, branding it a “monumental win for the US” and a “big win for civilisation”.
As leaders gathered under the Nato and Ukrainian flags, Trump even joked about being called “Daddy” by Dutch PM and Nato chief Mark Rutte, saying: “He’s very affectionate. ‘Daddy, you’re my daddy’.”
While Trump’s diplomatic style was as brash as ever, Zelensky struck a more sombre tone, speaking of fallen soldiers and forensic efforts to identify Russian bodies handed back to Ukraine.
“I also informed the President about how the technical team’s meetings in Istanbul went, as well as the exchanges of prisoners and the fallen,” Zelensky said.
Elsewhere at the summit, Trump said the US may make Patriot missile systems available to Ukraine to help defend against nightly drone and rocket attacks by Russian forces.
The advanced anti-air batteries could be a major game-changer on the battlefield, if approved.
He also touched on fears of future aggression by the Kremlin, saying it was “possible” Putin harbours ambitions beyond Ukraine, in response to a question about US intelligence assessments.
The Hague event has seen Trump bask in praise for helping bring a halt to the recent 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran, with even his critics calling it a major moment of statesmanship.
“Israel fought a hell of a war, they fought very hard,” he said. “Both were satisfied to go home and get out.”
Zelensky’s meeting with Trump followed talks with the prime ministers of Denmark and New Zealand.
The Ukrainian leader continues to push Western allies for weapons, funding, and diplomatic muscle as Kyiv braces for a fresh Russian offensive.
