Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made sure to be on his best behavior for a crucial Oval Office meeting with Donald Trump ¡ª and it paid off.

Anxious to avoid the disastrous shouting match that ruined his last visit, Zelenskyy repeatedly thanked Trump for his involvement and handed over a letter for Trump¡¯s wife, Melania. He wore a black jacket and buttoned-up black dress shirt to deflect MAGA Republican criticism of the less formal wartime garb that¡¯s become his trademark.

And he brought backup: several European leaders also looking to plead his case.