Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has drawn criticism from some social media users for his outfit choice at the funeral of Pope Francis, with viewers branding his appearance "shameful".
Zelenskyy, who is attending the funeral alongside other world leaders - such as US President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and Argentinian President Javier Milei - opted not to wear a traditional suit at the solemn ceremony held at St Peter’s Square in Vatican City.
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The funeral, which commenced at 10:00AM local time (4:00AM EST), has been tens of thousands of mourners gather to honor Pope Francis, who died on Easter Monday at the age of 88 after suffering a stroke.
The late pontiff’s burial in the Basilica of St Mary Major marks the first time in over a century that a pope is not being buried at St Peter’s Basilica.
Prince William represented the British royal family at the funeral on behalf of King Charles III. Other royalty in attendance included Queen Mary of Denmark, King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain, and King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium. Australia was represented by Governor-General Sam Mostyn.
Despite the international gathering to celebrate the life of Pope Francis, some critics took to social media to call out Zelenskyy for not wearing a formal suit and tie - instead opting for a black jacket, shirt, trousers, and what appears to be black sneakers.
"Zelensky couldn’t even be bothered to wear a suit for the Pope’s funeral. What a shameful character," one X user wrote.
Another tweeted: "Zelensky not wearing a proper suit for the funeral is pretty childish."
"Zelensky couldn’t even wear a suit to a funeral. Disgrace," wrote a third.
The last time Zelenskyy wore a suit was early on February 24, 2022, when he announced martial law in Ukraine as Russia launched its full-scale invasion. Since then, Zelenskyy has predominantly worn combat-style clothing — black, gray, or khaki cargo pants, boots, sweatshirts, and polos marked with Ukrainian national symbols.
“When world leaders see Zelenskyy in military style, it is a signal — ‘Ukraine is at war and I am part of this fight,’” Elvira Gasanova, designer of the Damirli brand that creates some of Zelenskyy's signature clothing, told POLITICO.
“A persistent call to return to the suit is a de facto demand to return to the usual format of political dialogue, which means ‘enough of war, sit down at the negotiating table,’” Gasanova said.
Zelenskyy himself has said on numerous occasions that he will wear a suit only after Ukraine wins the war. In the documentary 'A Year' by Ukrainian journalist and TV host Dmytro Komarov, Zelenskyy showed the blazer he plans to wear when Ukraine claims victory, per Kyiv Independent.
"It's a symbol. It means that the war will be over soon, we will win soon, and we all will wear suits again," Zelenskyy said.
During a recent Oval Office meeting, Zelenskyy wore an all-black outfit, including a polo shirt adorned with a trident — Ukraine's coat of arms.
During his visit to Washington, Zelenskyy was questioned about his outfit during a meeting with US President Donald Trump. Brian Glenn, the chief White House correspondent for Real America's Voice TV channel, asked: "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?"
In response, Zelenskyy said: "I will wear a costume after this war will finish." He likely misspoke, as the Ukrainian word for suit is "kostium."
"Maybe something like yours, yes. Maybe something better, I don't know," Zelenskyy continued. "Maybe something cheaper."
The questioning was widely viewed as inappropriate, with commentators noting that Glenn, favored by Trump supporters, was echoing Trump's apparent irritation. During their meeting outside the White House, Trump remarked to Zelenskyy: "You're all dressed up today," referencing his all-black wartime attire.
On Instagram, Damirli wrote that the polo "is not merely a garment — it is the uniform of a modern warrior, a symbol of the unbreakable spirit of a nation standing for its freedom."
"History remembers leaders whose choice of clothing became part of their fight and a reflection of their era," Damirli posted.
According to Zoya Zvynyatskivska, a Ukrainian fashion historian, Zelenskyy's choice to wear black to the Oval Office demonstrated respect.
"Yes, it's not a suit, but it's a kind of intermediate option. I think he really demonstrated respect," Zvyniatskovska said. "Very modest, beautiful outfit in black, restrained color, no khaki."
Zvyniatskovska added that Zelenskyy's team, including Presidential Office Head Andriy Yermak, who wore a suit on February 28 at a meeting at the White House, dressed appropriately for formal events: "Everyone on the team was dressed perfectly appropriately."
Zvyniatskovska emphasized that Zelenskyy's outfit is symbolic and intentional. “Yes, Zelensky dresses demonstratively. But the only message he wants to convey with his clothing is: 'In my country, there is a war.' Everyone wants to forget. Everyone wants to move on. But he keeps reminding them."
The Oval Office meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy escalated into a heated argument involving US Vice President JD Vance, ultimately leading to the cancellation of a planned mineral deal and Trump's decision to halt all military aid to Ukraine on March 3.
Zvyniatskovska pointed out that questions about Zelenskyy's clothing reflect deeper prejudices rather than genuine concerns: "In Trump's mind, there is no war. Everything has already ended. If Zelensky takes off his military-style outfit and puts on a suit, what does that mean? It means he agrees that the war is over."