In a truly desperate move, the Ukrainian government is now raffling off T-shirts donning a quote from President Volodymyr Zelensky’s Oval Office meeting with President Donald Trump, in which Zelensky said, “I’ll wear the costume when this war is over” as he asked patrons to “help finish the war.”
To enter for one of the T-shirts, people have to donate at least $24 (£18.8) or more, which will allegedly go towards armored medical evacuation vehicles for Ukrainian soldiers.
Donate now to help Ukraine finish the war — so we can all suit up after🕴️
If you’re feeling disappointed — redirect your frustration into donations. Show solidarity with those who defend freedom and democracy — donate a symbolic $24 towards armored medical evacuation vehicles to… pic.twitter.com/LXhxMvhgOb
— UNITED24 (@U24_gov_ua) March 1, 2025
“They’re emphasising the words of our president – a reminder that there is a time and place for everything. There will be a time when we can all wear suits. Right now, it is time to help Ukraine finish this war,” reads the United24’s official page, where the shirts are being raffling.
Brilliant. Ukraine funding a war $15 dollars at a time. That checks.
— AnnieGitYerGun (@GitYer) March 5, 2025
As Independent UK reports:
The release of the T-shirt in Ukraine’s fundraising campaign was announced just a day after Volodymyr Zelensky was involved in a public spat with US president Donald Trump and vice president JD Vance on Friday.
Mr Zelensky’s dark fatigues were first mentioned by Mr Trump when the Ukrainian president stepped out of his car at the White House on Friday. “You’re all dressed up today,” Mr Trump remarked, referring to Mr Zelensky’s military-style sweatshirt and trousers, adorned with the Ukrainian trident, which he wears as a show of solidarity with soldiers fighting on the frontlines.
UKRAINE: The Ukrainian ambassador promised Zelensky would wear a suit to last weeks signing ceremony. When he arrived in his battle shirt Trump knew he wasn’t there in good faith. pic.twitter.com/YluK2vmS3S
— @amuse (@amuse) March 4, 2025
The Ukrainian war-time president has refused to don formal suits during all his domestic and international outreaches in solidarity with thousands of Ukraine’s troops fighting on the war frontlines. Mr Zelensky has said he wears military fatigues as a symbol of the Russian war his soldiers are fighting back home.
“Why don’t you wear a suit?” a reporter asked Zelensky. “You’re at the highest level in this country’s office, and you refuse to wear a suit. Do you own a suit?”
The reporter added, “A lot of Americans have problems with you not respecting the dignity of this office.”
Zelensky replied, “I will wear costume after this war will finish.”