Washington: Getting Donald Trump to laugh is no mean feat. A smile, sure. But genuine laughter? Rare. Of all people, Volodymyr Zelensky made it happen.

The Ukrainian president returned to the scene of the crime – that disastrous February meeting – and although his relationship with his US counterpart has improved markedly since then, there was no guarantee he would escape another dressing down.

This time he came prepared. He began by flattering Trump – thanking him for his efforts to end the war, and thanking his wife, Melania, for the letter she wrote to Putin about the plight of children impacted by conflict. Zelensky also handed over a letter from his own wife addressed to the first lady.

He also dressed........

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