Russia’s war in Ukraine continues, leaving death and destruction in its wake, but for some people, appearances and clothing are all that matter. Stockbroker and financial commentator Peter Schiff criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, a politician being widely hailed as a man of the people and a hero, for not wearing a suit when he addressed the United States Congress via video link.
According to the economist, Zelensky supposedly ‘disrespected’ the US by not putting on a suit. The comment was tone-deaf, distracted from what’s really important, and enraged a lot of internet users. People called out Schiff for completely missing the point.
A Russian missile struck a theatre in besieged Mariupol where over 1,000 people were sheltering. There are bread queues being hit by Russian shells in Chernihiv. And US President Joe Biden branded Vladimir Putin a war criminal. But Schiff wants to talk about suits… Scroll down to see how people reacted to his tweet.
News and social media expert Mike Sington gave us his take on Schiff's tweet. He told Bored Panda that what Schiff wrote was out of line and clickbait. Meanwhile, he drew attention to the fact that wartime President Zelensky is acting like the exact opposite of Putin.
"What sets President Zelensky apart is he seems involved and on top of the situation. He’s with his troops, and addressing world leaders, all in the same day. With his videos, you see and hear from him every day. Contrast that with Vladimir Putin, who remains aloof and isolated, sitting behind a long table, wearing a suit, far away from the war zone. Why hasn’t he left Moscow and visited his troops in battle? The difference between the two leaders is stunning," Mike said.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the United States Congress in a powerful and moving speech
Image credits: 11Alive
Image credits: 11Alive
Zelensky got a standing ovation from the American lawmakers
Image credits: 11Alive
Image credits: 11Alive
However... economist Peter Schiff completely missed the point. He criticized the Ukrainian president for not wearing a suit
Image credits: PeterSchiff
Schiff's tone-deaf tweet sparked a lot of outrage everywhere
Image credits: PeterSchiff
Schiff tried to defend an undefendable position that distracted from the real issue
Image credits: PeterSchiff
Image credits: PeterSchiff
Image credits: QTRResearch
According to LA-based media expert Mike, Schiff's tweet about not wearing a suit was "completely out of line."
"President Zelensky is a wartime president, in a war zone, in the streets. It would have looked jarring to see him in a suit," he said.
In Mike's opinion, Schiff's tweet was most likely all about getting attention. "Schiff’s tweet was pure clickbait. There was no rational reason for it. President Zelensky’s speech, and video, were moving, inspirational, and heartbreaking. There was so much to talk about."
He added: "Why would you be the outlier to ask if he owned a suit? It was a stupid take."
Here is how some other people reacted to Schiff's words
Image credits: cpoliticditto
Image credits: joncoopertweets
Image credits: Super70sSports
Image credits: InUnfunky
Image credits: DeborahMeaden
Image credits: SophieZnS
Image credits: 1CrownofJules
Image credits: AndreaChalupa
Image credits: Stonekettle
Image credits: daffi515
Image credits: kendallybrown
Image credits: MrsNickyClark
Image credits: JohnLawMedia
Image credits: AmyTrask
Image credits: michael_muscato
President Biden called Putin a war criminal after Zelensky addressed the US Congress on Wednesday, asking the West for greater support. The US has pledged an additional $800 million in security assistance to Ukraine.
According to the White House, this will provide Ukraine with the following: 800 Stinger anti-aircraft systems, 100 drones, over 20 million rounds of small arms ammunition and grenade launcher and mortar rounds, 25,000 sets of body armor, 25,000 helmets, 100 grenade launchers, 5,000 rifles, 1,000 pistols, 400 machine guns, 400 shotguns, as well as 2,000 Javelin, 1,000 light anti-armor weapons, and 6,000 AT-4 anti-armor systems.
In his speech, Zelensky invoked the history of the United States, stating that Ukraine was enduring a 9/11 and Pearl Harbor every day while fighting Russian invaders. Zelensky asked the West for more assistance and to create a no-fly zone over Ukraine. Alternatively, he asked for aircraft and air-defense systems.
"In your great history, you have pages that would allow you to understand the Ukrainian history. Understand us now," Zelensky spoke to American lawmakers.
"I have a dream, these words are known to each of you—today I can say I have a need. I need to protect the sky.”
To President Biden, he said: “I wish you to be the leader of the world. Being the leader of the world means being the leader of peace."
Zelensky’s message and plea for help moved the US Congress. And it didn’t matter one bit that he wasn’t wearing a suit.
You can watch Zelensky's full address to the US Congress right here
Image credits: 11Alive
In his speech, Zelensky invoked 9/11 and Pearl Harbor while asking the American people for more help
Image credits: Mediaite
Image credits: biannagolodryga