The attire of leaders has always attracted attention during the Ukraine-Russia conflict resolution meetings, especially when the mediation party is the US. This time it was US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth’s choice of outfit that sparked controversy on the social media platform X, after he wore a tie resembling the Russian flag, featuring red, blue, and white stripes during a recent meeting between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky.

His pocket square, meanwhile, displayed the American flag’s stars and stripes. The unusual combination drew attention for its potentially sensitive symbolism in a diplomatic context. Social media users interpreted the tie and pocket square as Washington showing support for Russia, and many criticized it as an insult to Ukraine.

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