Zelensky in a suit this time! A sign of respect for Merz, or a message to Trump?

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Berlin. The two discussed the latest situation in the Ukraine-Russia war and military support.

While the meeting itself was not a surprise, Zelenskyy's appearance was. The Ukrainian President, who has not attended any official meetings in a suit—including his meeting with US President Donald Trump—shook hands with Merz while wearing one.

Wearing a black blazer over a black shirt, Zelenskyy still opted for sneakers instead of dress shoes.

Social media attributed Zelenskyy's decision to dress up for Merz—despite not doing so even at the personal request of Donald Trump—to "mutual respect." It was also claimed that Merz's decision to lift the missile range limit for Ukraine played a role.

UKRAINE'S WEAPONS TO BE PRODUCED IN GERMANY

Merz, who held a press conference with Zelenskyy, stated that weapons for the war against Russia would be produced in Germany and Ukraine, and noted that they would not impose any restrictions on range.

Merz said, "We want to make long-range weapons possible for Ukraine. We want to make joint production possible. We will not share the details with the public, but we will intensify our cooperation."

Zelenskyy stated that they had reached an agreement with Germany on the production of weapons in Ukraine, including unmanned aerial vehicles.

He reported that agreements had been signed between Ukrainian and German officials for the construction and development of production facilities.

Zelenskyy said, "These new projects already exist. We just want them to be in the quantities we need."

Zelenskyy's visit to Berlin took place after Ukraine and Russia held face-to-face negotiations earlier this month.

The talks were accompanied by pressure from US President Donald Trump to reach a ceasefire, but no results were achieved.