The debate on whether Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will don a suit has led to unexpectedly significant betting on the Polymarket platform.
Origin of the Suit Debate
It all began with a question posed on Polymarket: "Will Zelenskyy wear a suit before July?" Since the emergence of this question, bets have ballooned to nearly $79 million. On June 24, Zelenskyy appeared at a NATO meeting in the Netherlands wearing a dark jacket, shirt, pants, and trainers. Photos and videos spread rapidly, and some traders claimed victory, believing this constituted a suit, though not everyone agrees.
Expert Opinions on the Suit
Polymarket initially ruled "yes"; however, this decision has been challenged twice, leaving millions locked until a final ruling emerges. This is not the first time Polymarket users have fought over Zelenskyy's clothing. Back in May, a similar bet closed with the same confusion, where Derek Guy also weighed in, claiming that technically the outfit was a suit as the jacket and pants were made from the same fabric.
The Significance of Zelenskyy's Clothing Choices
During a high-profile Oval Office meeting between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in early 2025, Trump criticized Zelenskyy not only for his political stance but also for his appearance and choice of attire. Although Zelenskyy has stated he will wear a suit again only when Ukraine's war with Russia is over, until then he opts for military-style clothing to show solidarity with his troops.
The controversies surrounding Volodymyr Zelenskyy's clothing choices highlight not only the interest in his public appearances but also draw attention to the current political situation in Ukraine.