Trump's key ally risks diplomatic blunder as Russia gloats over Zelensky meeting detail

Donald Trump's key ally and Secretary of War has been accused of wearing a pro-Russian tie to meet Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky. Pete Hegseth chose to wear a white, blue and red striped tie during the Ukrainian president's visit to the White House on Friday (October 17), leading to some alleging that he was matching the Russian flag.

Russian state-owned news agency, Tass, seemingly gloated at the choice, saying Mr Hegseth "stood out" from his colleagues by wearing a "tie in the colours of the Russian tricolor". "Hegseth’s tie, featuring bold white, blue, and red stripes arranged in the same order as on the Russian national flag, stood out among the otherwise restrained attire of the US delegation," it added. "While the United States’ own flag includes the same colours, the sequence and design made the choice particularly striking. Trump and the other officials opted for plain, solid-colored ties."

Vladimir Putin's economic envoy and CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, Kirill Dmitriev, added more fuel to the fire by sharing an image of Mr Hegseth's tie accompanied by a caption with the Russian flag emoji.

Donald Trump's Vice President, JD Vance, attempted to quash speculation, also writing on X: "Or maybe he was wearing the colours of America". Mr Dmitriev replied to this post with: "Maybe it is good that we have the same colors," accompanied with emojis of the flags of the two countries and a handshake.

Ron Filipkowski, the editor of left-wing American news company Meidas Touch, wrote on X: "Looks like the Russians like his Russia tie. It’s not red-white-blue either. It’s red-blue-white. Like the Russian flag. For a meeting with Zelensky".

Mr Hegseth's tie was accompanied by a pocket square decorated like the American flag in his suit jacket.

The Secretary of War has been known for including the US flag in his outfits in the past. He has worn socks adorned with the stars and stripes and had the flag emblazoned on the lining of his suit jackets.

Mr Hegseth has not commented on Friday's tie incident.

Writing on Truth Social on Friday, Donald Trump described his meeting with President Zelensky as "very interesting, and cordial," but added: "I told him, as I likewise strongly suggested to President Putin, that it is time to stop the killing, and make a DEAL!"

Mr Zelensky earlier sought to tempt Mr Trump to supply Ukraine with Tomahawk missiles by floating the idea of a reciprocal deal, which would see his country share pioneering drone technology with the US.

The talks came a day after the US President had what he described as "productive" phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin.