«Sorry, I'm not in a suit»: Zelenskyy speaks at the Shevchenko Prize in Kyiv

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy apologised for not wearing an official suit during the Taras Shevchenko National Prize award ceremony.

The video of his speech was published on 9 March by Ukrinform.

After the greeting, the President addressed the participants of the ceremony and apologised for his appearance.

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«I'm sorry I'm not in a suit,» Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

It is worth noting that this particular outfit has recently become the subject of discussion in both political and media circles after his visit to the United States on 28 February. Zelenskyy arrived at his meeting with US President Donald Trump in a black outfit with the national symbols of Ukraine, but without a traditional business suit.

The question about Zelenskyy's attire was raised by Brian Glenn, chief White House correspondent for Real America's Voice.

«Why aren't you wearing a suit?» Glenn asked. «You're at the highest level meeting in this country, and you refuse to wear a suit. Do you even have a suit? Many Americans have a problem with you not respecting the dignity of this office».

«I will put on a suit when this war is over», Volodymyr Zelenskyy replied.

It is worth noting that before the visit, Trump's team recommended that Zelenskyy abandon the military style of dress that had become commonplace for him after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine and opt for a more formal business suit.