Politico highlights five notable moments… Zelensky's black suit becomes a hot topic

Trump lashes out at question about 'unexpected' mail-in voting, leaves summit to speak with Putin

(Paris = Yonhap News) Correspondent Song Jin-won = The meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and European leaders on the 18th (local time) was held in a relatively friendly atmosphere, but unusual scenes were captured here and there.

Politico Europe, a political media outlet, summarized the White House meeting on the 19th and selected the 'five strangest moments during Trump's visit to the European leaders.'

Unlike President Zelensky's visit to the White House in February, there was no shouting or scolding this time, but there were a few odd moments, Politico reported.

The first moment highlighted by the media was the 'small talk' surrounding President Zelensky's attire.

President Zelensky, who was publicly ridiculed for appearing in his signature military uniform during a visit to the White House in February, appeared this time in a black suit without a tie.

Upon seeing this, President Trump complimented him, saying,"You look well dressed today," and "I love it." President Zelensky responded,"That's the best suit I've ever owned."

Brian Glenn, a reporter for the far-right Real American Voice who publicly criticized President Zelensky during his February visit, also praised him this time, saying,"He's wonderful" and "He's great."

When President Trump pointed out that he was "the guy who attacked you last time," President Zelensky wittily retorted,"I remember," adding,"You're wearing the same suit as back then. I changed, but you didn't."

Politico also described a scene where President Trump and European leaders gathered together and showered each other with praise.

On that day, President Trump praised NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte as"a great gentleman and a great political leader," and told British Prime Minister Keir Starmer,"People like him. You all like him."

Politico reported that President Trump's remarks about Prime Minister Starmer likely came as a surprise to many British voters. According to a poll last month, 67% of Britons had a negative opinion of the prime minister.

Trump said of French President Emmanuel Macron,"He's been with me from the beginning. I liked him from day one, and I like him even more now," and praised Italian Prime Minister Giorgio Meloni as an "inspiration."

He praised Finnish President Alexander Stubb, saying,"You look the best I've ever seen," and asked German Chancellor Friedrich Merz,"Where did you get that tan? I want to get that tan."

He praised European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, saying,"You may be more powerful than everyone at this table," before adding,"I don't know."

In response, European leaders also rushed to praise President Trump's peace negotiation efforts.

Politico also mentioned the awkward"family photo" that resulted from the height difference between attendees.

Among those in attendance that day, German Chancellor Merz was 1.98 meters tall, and Italian Prime Minister Meloni was 1.63 meters tall, so the media commented that the photo looked like"a draft of a roller coaster design."

He added that while President Trump (1.9m) is usually the tallest, he was at eye level with Secretary General Rutte and President Stubb on this day, and Chancellor Merz was looking down on everyone, which must have been annoying.

Politico also noted that during the meeting between President Trump and President Zelensky, when reporter Glenn of"Real America Voices" asked a question about the domestic issue of mail-in voting, he rebuked him for asking a"question that was off-topic."

The media cited President Trump's phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, interrupting guests' dinner plans during a closed-door meeting with European leaders, as the fifth bizarre incident.

Meanwhile, the media jokingly reported that European leaders were probably scrambling for emergency cheeseburgers at the White House.