Roger Stone blasts Zelensky for ‘disrespectful’ attire

At his meeting with the US president-elect in Paris on Saturday, the Ukrainian leader wore a sweater and boots instead of a suit.

Donald Trump adviser Roger Stone has blasted Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky for the clothing he wore at a trilateral meeting with the incoming US president and his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron.

The three held talks at the Elysee Palace in Paris on Saturday, on the sidelines of the reopening ceremony of the Notre Dame Cathedral. According to media reports, the meeting was brief and lasted around 45 minutes, with Macron having to persuade Trump for days to agree to it.

While both Macron and Trump wore formal suits, Zelensky wore a black sweatshirt with the emblem of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, slacks, a military-style jacket, and brown combat boots. While this has become a signature style for the Ukrainian leader, Stone found it offensive.

“He can’t afford a suit? 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 to meet the President-elect of the United States?” Stone told the New York Post, adding that Zelensky’s attire was “disrespectful to the American people.”

Social media users have expressed similar grievances over Zelensky’s fashion choices on X, with many posting comments such as “Zelensky was too good to wear a suit to the Notre Dame,” and “next time you’re in the presence of our President, show some respect and put on a suit.”

Zelensky only wears a suit when playing piano with his #@&##. However, he only wears the shirt, jacket. pic.twitter.com/ip5W5KCa1x

— Jana Maybil (@Bpahuljica) December 7, 2024

Several users offered to buy the Ukrainian leader formal clothing, while others lamented that “after all the billions we’ve sent, Zelensky still can’t afford a suit.” One user noted that Zelensky was known to wear suits during his career as a comedian.

“Zelensky, wear a suit. Being a country at war doesn’t obligate you to a wardrobe of t-shirts for the rest of your life,” another wrote.

The details of the trilateral meeting have been vague. None of participants have spoken to the press following the talks, but later posted their impressions on social media. Macron said on X that the meeting was focused on the Ukraine conflict and the steps to resolve it, while Zelensky described the talks as “good and productive.”

Trump called for an “immediate ceasefire and negotiations” between Moscow and Kiev on his Truth Social account on Sunday, adding that Kiev “would like to make a deal” with Russia. He did not offer any details, however.