Zelenskyy attire controversy returns with US Defence Sec ‘Russian-flag’ tie

By Anjali Sharma

WASHINGTON – US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth choice of outfit on Saturday that sparked controversy on the social media platform X, after he wore a tie resembling the Russian flag, featured red, blue, and white stripes during a recent meeting between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky.

The attire of leaders has always attracted attention during the Ukraine-Russia conflict resolution meetings, especially when the mediation party is the US.

His pocket square displayed the American flag’s stars and stripes.

The unusual combination drew attention for its potentially sensitive symbolism in a diplomatic context.

Social media users interpreted the tie and pocket square as Washington showing support for Russia, and many criticized it as an insult to Ukraine.

Ukraine President Zelensky sat in front of Trump wearing his black jacket and directly requested “Tomahawk missiles,” underscored the urgency of Ukraine’s needs in the war.

Hegseth was seen laughing in the meeting prompted social media users to decode it as an insult to the Ukrainian President.

During a tense Oval Office meeting regarding the Ukraine-Russia conflict resolution, Zelensky did not wear a formal suit. When a journalist asked him why, it drew criticism from the US President.

Zelensky stepped out of his car at the White House, Trump ‘sarcastically’ remarked, “You’re all dressed up today.”

Zelensky wore a military-style black sweatshirt adorned with the Ukrainian trident to show solidarity with Ukrainian soldiers at the oval office meeting.

He has ditched suits, button-down shirts, and ties, even during important meetings with world leaders and also during an address to the US Congress.

Zelensky’s choice of attire has drawn criticism, which culminated in the infamous Oval Office confrontation with President Trump and Vice President JD Vance.

A reporter asked Zelensky why he wasn’t wearing a suit, suggesting it was disrespectful.

According to BBC reporters present, this immediately changed the mood in the room.

The issues of respect and gratitude prompted a heated argument, with the US President and Vice President openly reprimanding their European ally in front of global TV audiences.

Zelensky’s latest appeal for long-range Tomahawk missiles was flatly rejected by Trump during their meeting in Washington, according to media reports.

He had arrived in the US capital seeking the powerful cruise missiles, which he believes could cripple Russia’s war machinery by striking deep into its oil and energy infrastructure.

Trump dismissed the request with a curt “No,” emphasized that the United States must prioritize its own defense needs during opening remarks at a White House working lunch.

He added that he hoped the war could be resolved “without thinking about Tomahawks.”