During what was an extraordinary round-table with a handful of journalists at Stansted Airport, there was no sign of a bruised Ukrainian president who had just been publicly battered by Donald Trump.
Instead, Volodymyr Zelenskyy appeared confident and hopeful as he entered the room.
Seated beside him, I observed a man who very much wanted to give the impression that he was strong and defiant despite uncertainty about his country’s future – and that of his own.
Sky’s Yalda Hakim was among the journalists asking Volodymyr Zelenskyy questions at Stansted Airport. Pic: Reuters
Just 48 hours earlier, he had effectively been ejected from the Oval Office following that disastrous confrontation with President Donald Trump and his vice president JD Vance.
But in London, he was greeted by the UK prime minister Sir Keir Starmer and European leaders with open arms, in a show of solidarity.
Latest updates on Ukraine’s future
During the conversation with journalists, he refused to be drawn into the drama that unfolded at the White House and evaded questions about his relationship with the US president, including whether he would apologise.
When I asked him about his own future and whether he would resign, he said he was exchangeable for NATO membership.
Read more from Sky News:
UK to defend Ukraine peace deal with ‘coalition of willing’ – Starmer
European leaders take small steps towards peace in Ukraine
The same qualities that have made President Zelenskyy so spectacular for three years, including as a great communicator, worked against him and his country with the Trump administration.
👉Listen to The World with Richard Engel and Yalda Hakim on your podcast app👈
The question now is, are things irrecoverable with the Americans?
Before the blow-up, Donald Trump indicated that the US would continue to send weapons to Ukraine, that the minerals deal ensured the US was treated fairly and he didn’t rule out US boots on the ground.
It might be hard to get back to that place, but it doesn’t appear impossible.
And it will be the task of the likes of Sir Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron to act as the brokers.
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