Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with King Charles III on Sunday, March 2, to discuss the ongoing war in Ukraine.

While the meeting itself was described as positive, Zelenskyy’s choice of attire—his signature military-style outfit instead of a suit—sparked controversy online.

Zelenskyy’s Meeting with King Charles

After attending a European leaders’ summit focused on ending the war, Zelenskyy traveled to Sandringham to meet King Charles. The Ukrainian leader was “warmly received” and later expressed his gratitude, saying, “I’m very grateful for this meeting and for how His Majesty helps Ukraine and supports us. He’s met our warriors here, being trained in the UK, and we’re very thankful to the Royal Family for their support.”

Despite Charles showing no issue with Zelenskyy’s attire, many online were less accepting. Critics took to social media to complain, with some sarcastically questioning whether he “forgot his suit again” and others mocking his appearance.

However, Zelenskyy has previously explained his wardrobe choices. When asked last week by Brian Glenn, chief White House correspondent for Real America’s Voice, why he never wears a suit, the Ukrainian leader replied, “I will wear a costume after this war will finish,” referring to his commitment to wearing military-style clothing since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022.

He even joked, “Maybe something like yours, maybe something better. We will see. Maybe something cheaper.” In Ukrainian, “kostium” means “suit,” which may have led to some linguistic confusion in his response.