On a day of deep diplomatic intrigue and the biggest of geopolitical questions, it was a sartorial matter that was settled first at the White House.

When Volodymyr Zelensky emerged from his SUV in front of the West Wing, it became clear he had swapped his famous military fatigues for a black jacket and shirt.

“I can’t believe it, I love it,” said Donald Trump, as he pumped his visitor’s hand enthusiastically.

It was a marked change from the Ukrainian leader’s last visit. In February he was sent home without lunch after clashing with the US president in the Oval Office.

The vice-president upbraided him for ingratitude and he was accused of disrespecting the occasion by failing to wear a suit.

This time around, weeks of coaching by European leaders paid off.