'I changed, you haven't': Zelenskyy jibes at US reporter as he swaps military gear for black suit

The suited and booted Ukrainian president wore a “suit-style” and black shirt during the sit-down on Monday, a fashion choice which was braised by White House reporters and Mr Trump himself.

Brian Glenn, a leading member of Maga-enthusiast press in the room, said: "President Zelenskyy, you look fabulous in that suit. You look good."

The journalist had asked the asked the Ukrainian leader “Do you even own a suit?” when he was last in the U.S. in February.

“That’s the one that attacked you,” Trump said to Zelenskyy, to which he replied: “I remember.”

The Ukrainian then drew laughter from the room when he then told Glenn: "You are in the same suit. I changed, you have not."

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The much-talked about black jacket was also worn by Zelenskyy at a NATO summit in the Netherlands in June, marking the first time he had worn such an outfit since since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in Ukraine in 2022.

According to sources, White House officials had inquired in advance whether Zelenskyy would wear a suit for the meeting in Washington, which also brought together several European leaders.

Back in February, President Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance made jabs about Zelenskyy's customary military-style attire during a West Wing meeting that would eventually descend into a shouting match.

But advisors suggested to Axios that this week's encounter was expected to be calmer.

"They've traveled very, very far, both of them. Zelensky will not show him pictures of dead children and then act like it's somehow his fault.

"The president has learned to just sort of like, you know, file away any irritations and go forward."

It comes as Trump declared he knows "exactly" what he's doing ahead of today's meetings.

Leaders including French President Emmanuelle Macron, Italy's Giorgia Meloni and NATO General Secretary Mark Rutte are all in attendance.

Trump is now aligning with Moscow's position following his meeting with Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday, urging Zelenskyy to accept a peace deal without Crimea and NATO membership, instead of pursuing an immediate ceasefire.

He told reporters that the U.S. would help provide security guarantees for Ukraine as part of any agreement and would "make sure it works".

Zelenskyy also signalled his support for a meeting with US and Russian leaders and says Ukrainians support Trump's plans to end the war through "diplomatic means".