At the 2025 Oscars, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy sparked a wave of controversy not only for his comments about the ongoing conflict but also for his unconventional choice of attire during his meeting with King Charles III. Despite the uproar on social media, there is a clear and deliberate rationale behind his decision to forgo a traditional suit on that day.On Sunday, 2 March 2025,
President Zelenskyy met with King Charles III at the historic Sandringham estate—a venue known for its deep-rooted ties to the British monarchy. The meeting, which took place following a high-level summit of European leaders focused on ending the war in Ukraine, was meant to discuss Ukraine’s continuing struggle and to secure further support for the nation amid ongoing conflict.While media outlets quickly highlighted the dramatic visuals of the encounter, many viewers found themselves distracted not only by the political weight of the meeting but also by Zelenskyy’s noticeably nontraditional outfit. Instead of donning a suit, which is typically expected at such high-profile meetings, Zelenskyy opted for an outfit that some observers described as “suit-less” and even compared to pajamas by a few detractors on social media.