Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made a wry remark on Sunday regarding his choice of attire during a meeting at the White House, where he faced sharp criticism from former U.S. President Donald Trump.

In a video released by the Ukrainian presidency, Zelensky, who has a background in acting and comedy, concluded his speech at an awards ceremony with a lighthearted comment. "Apologies for not wearing a suit," he quipped, drawing laughter and applause from the audience.

Dressed in black with Ukraine’s trident emblem, Zelensky’s outfit was similar to what he wore during his tense exchange with Trump last month. Since the onset of Russia’s invasion in February 2022, the Ukrainian leader has consistently opted for military-style attire, such as T-shirts and khaki or black fleeces, reinforcing his nation’s ongoing struggle. His team has followed suit, adopting similar dress choices.

During their Oval Office meeting, Brian Glenn, a journalist from a right-wing media outlet, pointedly questioned Zelensky about his lack of formal wear. The Ukrainian leader responded with a weary but firm reply: "I will wear a suit after this war is over." His response quickly gained traction online.

According to a report by Axios, Trump was reportedly displeased that Zelensky had not worn a suit, having been advised by U.S. officials that it would be considered more "respectful." Upon seeing Zelensky, Trump sarcastically remarked that "he is all dressed up today" before launching into a scathing critique of the Ukrainian leader.

The tense encounter even drew comments from the Kremlin. Russian government spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, speaking on state television, expressed astonishment at the harsh treatment Zelensky received. "As a professional diplomat, I could hardly believe what I saw and heard," Peskov stated, comparing the situation to ancient times when visiting leaders were sometimes executed or imprisoned. "By the medieval period, even such practices had faded away," he added, emphasizing his disbelief at the exchange.