Cold War Echo Or Clever Troll? The Hidden Story Behind Russian Foreign Minister's Hoodie

Last Updated:August 16, 2025, 14:41 IST

As Sergei Lavrov touched down in Alaska for the much-anticipated summit, his casual grey sweatshirt emblazoned with bright red letters reading 'USSR' caught attention

News18

The Trump-Putin meeting in Alaska had all the elements of a perfectly orchestrated diplomatic encounter. And, in case someone missed the drama, Russia’s foreign minister ensured there was oodles of it.

As Sergei Lavrov touched down in Alaska for the much-anticipated summit, he made sure all eyes were on him before any formal talks began. Stepping out of the plane in a casual grey sweatshirt emblazoned with bright red letters reading “USSR", Lavrov seemed aware of the political statement he was making.

The choice of attire was anything but accidental. The Soviet Union has been gone for more than three decades but the nostalgia and symbolism it carries continue to fuel debates about Moscow’s ambitions in the present day. Against the backdrop of Russia’s war in Ukraine and its tense stand-off with the West, the sweatshirt was immediately read as more than a fashion statement.

Soon, it was a field day for political analysts. Some branded Lavrov a “trollmaster", noting how his wardrobe seemed designed to provoke. At a time when Moscow is accused of trying to rebuild influence once commanded by the USSR, appearing in Soviet symbols on American soil looked to many like a direct taunt.

In Kyiv, the reaction was swift and bitter. Ukrainian commentators called the display an insult, accusing Moscow of flaunting the very empire whose collapse had given countries like Ukraine independence. For them, the logo was a reminder of subjugation, now echoed in the bombs and battles of Russia’s current war.

Former Lithuanian foreign minister Gabrielius Landsbergis was quick to point out Lavrov’s clothing choice on X and wrote: “‘Just give us half of Ukraine and we promise we will stop,’ says negotiator wearing USSR sweatshirt."

But back home in Russia, the reception was different. For Lavrov’s supporters, the sartorial statement projected confidence and resilience, evoking an era when Moscow stood toe-to-toe with Washington as a global superpower. For Donald Trump, who has often praised Putin and cultivated a reputation for showmanship, it was arguably a gesture that hinted at old rivalries repackaged as a spectacle.

CAREFULLY CHOREOGRAPHED CHEMISTRY

The Putin-Trump meet was made for the cameras. Television cameras captured the spectacle as both Trump and Putin arrived separately in their presidential aircraft at Elmendorf Air Base—the sprawling US military hub in Alaska that once stood on the frontlines of watching the Soviet Union.

Trump remained aboard Air Force One until Putin’s plane touched down. Only then did he descend the steps, applauding as he caught sight of the Russian leader for the first time since 2019.

The two men walked toward one another, exchanged smiles, and clasped hands before posing in front of a stage marked with the bold banner: ‘Alaska 2025’.

In a striking breach of protocol, Putin joined Trump inside ‘The Beast’—the heavily armoured US presidential limousine—as they made their way to the meeting venue, where Ukraine was expected to dominate the agenda.

Inside, Putin was all smiles, cracking jokes to the press as the pair entered a hall prepared by their American hosts. Behind them, in giant lettering and only in English, the backdrop proclaimed: “Pursuing Peace."

When Trump told Putin of how he hoped to meet again, the Russian leader broke out rare words of English: “Next time in Moscow."

News Desk

The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d...Read More

The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d...

Read More

Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from geopolitics to diplomacy and global trends. Stay informed with the latest world news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated!

Location :

United States of America (USA)

First Published:

August 16, 2025, 14:41 IST

News world Cold War Echo Or Clever Troll? The Hidden Story Behind Russian Foreign Minister's Hoodie

Read More