The Pentagon's chief wore a tie in the colors of the Russian flag at the meeting between Trump and Zelensky, generating suspicions and mixed reactions.

During the meeting on Friday at the White House between Presidents Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky, Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth wore a striped tie in blue, red, and white, similar to the colors of the Russian flag. This clothing choice was quickly noticed by the Russian press, sparking controversy and suspicions about possible secret agreements between the USA and Russia. Kirill Dmitriev, Vladimir Putin's envoy, posted a photo of Hegseth, adding an emoticon with the Russian flag. Reactions varied, with some commentators emphasizing that the issue is not the tie, but the Trump administration's ties to Russia. American Vice President J.D. Vance tried to defend Hegseth's choice, suggesting that the three colors are also common to the American flag. Hegseth, known for his exuberant style, stated that he always wears symbols of the American flag.