The close of the NATO Summit meeting in the Hague yesterday was characterized as a success for the future of the alliance. And its continued support for Ukraine.
Even President Trump appeared to endorse the all-for-one commitment of countries to defend each other’s territory if attacked.
Why was the meeting so successful including Zelenskyy and his team’s conversation with Trump?
The Change of Tone
One analyst has traced this relationship improvment to what Zelenskyy wore to the NATO meetings and social events.
His suit – or lack thereof – was a central point in a blowup between the two leaders back in February.
Trump advisors asked Zelenskyy’s team multiple times that he should ditch his traditional military attire when visiting the Oval Office. The U.S. president was irked that he didn’t wear a suit.
This point was he subject of this Instagram folk ditty by rongello:
(https://www.instagram.com/p/DGvkNuNuyB9/?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email)
Zelenskyy Changes Clothes
Here is what Zelenskyy wore to the official NATO dinner on June 24, 2025 (Getty photo):
But this was only after his wife had asked that he not wear this newly designed suit instead.
Zelenskyy-ever the diplomat, shows his skill in adapting to the social realities of leadership.