The question hovering over Washington was whether the confrontation was a spontaneous outburst or a planned verbal smack down.

Last week's volatile exchange in the Oval Office between President Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Ukrainian President Zelensky sent the world into a tailspin as the three leaders loudly argued over the US's support for Ukraine for over 10 minutes before the press.

Zelensky’s attitude and behavior display creditable chutzpah, but they also raise the fair question whether he is spent as a war-time leader. He has led Ukraine through terrible times, made frightful decisions, endured disastrous dithering and delays from his wobbly partners. Three years he’s held himself and Ukraine together.