Zelenskyy’s outfit choice to meet the King sparks controversy but there’s a reason behind it

Volodymr Zelenskyy's choice of attire to meet King Charles III has sparked a lot of controversy online - but his suit-less outfit is no accident.

Zelenskyy, the president of Ukraine, met up with the Royal Family patriarch at Sandringham, after attending a summit of European leaders on ending the war in Ukraine on Sunday (2 March).

The political leader was 'warmly received' and said that he and King Charles had 'a very good meeting', telling reporters: "I'm very grateful for this meeting and for how His Majesty helps Ukraine and supports us. He's met our warriors here, being trained in the UK, and we're very thankful to the Royal Family for their support."

While Charles appeared fine with Zelenskyy not wearing a suit for the occasion - something he's explained his reasoning for multiple times - it's clear others were far more pressed with one social media user hitting out: "Still no suit?"

"Still in his pajamas," berated a second, while a third sarcastically piped up: "I see you dressed for the occasion to meet the king of England."

A fourth fumed: "But still no suit."

"… and you forgot your suit again!" declared a fifth while another questioned: "You can’t even get dressed up to meet the King??"

However, Zelenskyy has previously explained why he wears what he does when meeting other political figures across the globe.

Ukrainian president, Volodymr Zelenskyy, met up with King Charles III on Sunday (2 March) (WPA Pool / Pool / Getty Images)

Zelenskyy was asked by Brian Glenn, who is the chief White House correspondent for right-wing website Real America's Voice, last week: "Why don’t you wear a suit? You’re at the highest level in this country’s office and you refuse to wear a suit."

"Do you own a suit?" Glenn jabbed.

Zelenskyy, who at first appeared confused by the question, responded that he will 'wear a costume after this war will finish' - referencing the fact he's worn an army sweatshirt and cargo trousers since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022.

"Maybe something like yours, maybe something better, I don’t know. We will see. Maybe something cheaper," he told the reporter.

In Ukrainian, the word 'kostium' - pronounced 'costume' - means 'suit'.

During his White House meeting, United States president Donald Trump shockingly warned Zelenskyy he was 'gambling with World World III'.

The world leaders spoke in the Oval Office to discuss the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and the subsequent war.

Joined by Vice President JD Vance, Trump and Zelenskyy clashed in a brutal row, where Trump also told him he was acting 'disrespectful'.

"You're gambling with millions of people seeing you gambling with World War Three. You're gambling with World War Three," the Republican, who is the first convicted felon to assume the presidential role in the States, told Zelenskyy.

Trump and Vance also slammed Zelenskyy as not being 'thankful' for the military support the US supposedly gave to Ukraine.

"In this entire meeting, have you said thank you?" Vance demanded.

Zelenskyy previously explained why he's not worn suits to political meetings since 2022 (WPA Pool / Pool / Getty Images)

"You went to Pennsylvania and campaigned for the opposition in October, offer some words of appreciation for the United States of America and the president who's trying to save your country."

"People are dying … you're running low on soldiers," Trump continued.

Vance subsequently accused Zelenskyy of being on a 'publicity tour' during his meeting with Trump.

The US president also told the Ukrainian he must soon make a deal with America in a bid to end Russia's invasion.

"Your people are very brave, but you're either going to make a deal or we're out, and if we're out, you'll fight it out," Trump threatened.

The White House selected only certain journalists to be present in Oval Office during the press conference, in line with its new approach to media coverage with two of the most established news agencies in the world, Reuters and AP, being banned from entering.