Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made headlines this week—not just for peace talks with President Donald Trump, but for a wardrobe change that left everyone buzzing. Unlike his last visit, where he showed up in a military-style sweater that drew heavy criticism, Zelensky arrived at the White House in a sleek black suit that drew instant praise from Trump.

“I can’t believe it. I love it. Look at you,” Trump told Zelensky with a smile as the two leaders greeted each other outside the White House. The lighter exchange seemed to put Zelensky in good spirits, with cameras catching him grinning before the more serious business of negotiations began.

Reporters quickly jumped on the moment as well. One asked Zelensky about the new look, pointing out how different it was compared to last time. Before Zelensky could respond, Trump jumped in again, putting a hand on his shoulder and saying, “I said the same thing!”

The moment carried an extra punch of humor when the reporter turned out to be the same one who had scolded Zelensky during his last visit for not wearing a suit. Zelensky wasted no time firing back. “You are in the same suit,” he said, drawing laughs from Trump and leaving the reporter red-faced. Trump cracked up, adding, “See, I changed, you are not.”

The exchange was a stark contrast from Zelensky’s last trip, which was marked by tension and backlash over his choice to appear in a plain black sweater reminiscent of his wartime attire. That decision had led to criticism from the press and even a pointed question during a press conference about whether he “owned a suit.”

This time around, Zelensky seemed determined not to repeat that spectacle. According to Politico, his new outfit was designed to balance professionalism with symbolism, showing respect for the White House setting while still maintaining touches of his wartime identity. Elvira Gasanova, a Ukrainian designer whose brand has worked on Zelensky’s signature looks, explained that the suit carried “military key” elements to remind observers that Ukraine is still a nation at war.

For Trump, the lighter mood was a welcome lead-in to serious talks. The president reiterated his support for the Ukrainian people, telling reporters, “We love them.” With Russian President Vladimir Putin recently meeting Trump in Alaska, the White House visit marked another step in Trump’s push for negotiations aimed at finally ending the war.

The optics of the day couldn’t have been more different from Zelensky’s last Washington appearance. Instead of defensiveness and awkward press exchanges, this meeting began with camaraderie, humor, and a moment of unity that played well on camera. Trump’s ability to spotlight Zelensky’s appearance in a positive way also undercut critics who previously used the Ukrainian leader’s style as a weapon against him.

But beneath the lighter notes, the stakes remain high. The war in Ukraine has dragged on for years, and Zelensky’s visit was aimed at seeking common ground in peace talks involving European leaders. Still, his decision to present himself in a new way suggests an awareness of the power of optics in diplomacy.

For Trump, the exchange reinforced his role as both negotiator and showman, knowing when to ease tensions with humor and when to pivot to weightier matters. For Zelensky, it was a small but symbolic victory—showing that he could laugh off past criticisms while stepping into talks with renewed confidence.

If the day’s lighter moments are any indication, this visit may be remembered not just for the negotiations, but for a simple suit that helped reset the stage.