Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy opted for a formal black suit as he sat down with US President Donald Trump in Washington on Monday for high-stakes peace negotiations over the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict.

The choice of attire carried symbolic weight after the White House, according to a report by Axios, had earlier raised questions about whether Zelenskyy would appear in traditional formal wear for the Oval Office meeting.

Zelenskyy’s outfit had sparked debate during his last visit to Washington in February, when he arrived in his trademark military fatigues. That appearance was described by some US officials as a diplomatic misstep, with critics accusing him of disregarding the formal setting. At the time, Zelenskyy quipped that he would only don a suit once the war was over.

This time, however, the Ukrainian leader embraced protocol. His earlier military-style clothing has become emblematic of Ukraine’s resistance during the war but was reported to have irritated Trump during their previous meeting.

Adding to the diplomatic buzz, several European leaders — including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen — also arrived at the White House for consultations with Trump.

Before the Oval Office talks, Zelenskyy met Keith Kellogg, the US Special Presidential Representative for Ukraine and Russia. Following the meeting, Zelenskyy expressed optimism, saying he believed President Trump has the “power to compel Russia to halt its aggression and to pave the way for peace.”