The Defence Secretary drew attention with his style decision, choosing a tie in the colours of the Russian flag. This has led to speculation that this choice of clothing may be a reference. Moreover, this is not the first time that Hegseth has been criticised for his views on Russia and Ukraine, writes the Irish Star.

In photos from the meeting, Hegseth is seen to Trump's left, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio in the middle. Vice President JD Vance and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent were seated to Trump's right.

Hegseth's tie was white, blue, and red—the same colors as the Russian flag, and the color scheme was identical. The bold pattern of the tie contrasted sharply with the attire of the other attendees at the meeting—everyone else had opted for subdued suits, except for Hegseth.

Ukraine supporter Joni Askola wrote on the social network"X": "Hegseth wore a tie with the colors of the Russian flag to his meeting with Zelensky. Is he sending a message, or is he just ignorant? Or was he told to dress like this by his real boss, Elbridge Colby?"

Journalist Caolon Robertson added: "A tie with a Russian flag. At the White House. Meeting with Zelensky. Politicians like Hegseth know very well what message they are sending. They make no secret of the fact that they are in the Kremlin's sphere of influence and are completely compromised. They are traitors."

Many people online have noted that the US flag also features the same colors, but that the color arrangement and design are particularly reminiscent of the Russian flag. Others have pointed out that the colors may be more reminiscent of the Dutch flag.

We remind you that on October 17, a meeting between Presidents V. Zelensky and D. Trump took place at the White House, during which the main focus was on measures that could be used to pressure Russia to seek peace.

Earlier, Trump had what he called a"very productive" phone call with Russian leader Vladimir Putin and announced plans to meet with him in Budapest to discuss "the possibility of ending this shameful war between Russia and Ukraine."