US President Donald Trump greeted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy with surprise and admiration on Monday at the White House, remarking, “I don’t believe it I love it!” The compliment came as Zelenskyy arrived for high-stakes discussions on the Russia-Ukraine war, appearing in a blazer-style jacket, collared shirt, pants, and combat boots over a black buttoned shirt—a notable shift from his usual military-style attire.
Smiling at the compliment, he quipped, “This is the best I had.” The lighter moment provided a stark contrast to their February meeting, which had ended in tense exchanges.
For much of their February exchange, during which Trump and Vice President JD Vance blasted Zelenskyy as “disrespectful” and warned about future American support for his country, Zelenskyy crossed his arms and looked askance at the US leaders. The presidents often spoke over each other, also gesturing in disagreement. A conservative reporter, Brian Glenn, even asked Zelenskyy why he wasn’t wearing a suit.
However, Monday’s meeting was rounded out with more smiles and pleasantries between Trump and Zelenskyy, as well as agreement on some points regarding Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine. Both men largely sat with their hands clasped in their laps, affably fielding questions from reporters. And Glenn, when called upon by the Republican US president to speak, complimented Zelenskyy, saying, “You look fabulous in that suit.”
Trump chimed in right after: “I said the same thing!”
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