French President Emmanuel Macron has been pictured in remarkably laid-back attire in the Élysée Palace 

The French leader has hardly ever been caught in anything other than a dark, slim-fitting suit and tie  

But the seemingly candid shots display Macron at work sporting stubble and an oversized hoodie with jeans 

The images, released by the President's official photographer, were generally well received on social media

But some have accused Macron of launching a marketing ploy to look more like Ukrainian leader Zelensky

Zelensky has become instantly recognisable in plain hoodies and t-shirts since the invasion of Ukraine began 

The Ukrainian leader has become incredibly popular for his selfie videos and agreeable demeanour 

The French have long been known as trendsetters and purveyors of fine fashion, but it appears that President Emmanuel Macron has started taking style tips from the most in-vogue European leader.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has become an instantly recognisable figure amid the Russian invasion of his country, and has spent the past three weeks clad in simple khaki hoodies, jackets and t-shirts as he co-ordinates his country's defences.

The Ukrainian leader has understandably ditched the suit and tie that would typically befit a head of state for more utilitarian attire as he splits his time between the presidential palace and the streets of war-torn Kyiv.