Irish TV host David McCullagh was praised for the way he handled a 'car crash' interview with the Russian Ambassador to Ireland.
The Six One News anchor, 54, was speaking to Yury Filatov on the second day of conflict in Ukraine as Russian troops marched on the capital Kyiv.
The interview started with the seasoned journalist asking the ambassador when Russia would stop its attacks against its neighbour.
Mr Filatov suggested it was an "emotional issue" and a "humanitarian crisis" - but David corrected him, saying it was "a humanitarian crisis in Ukraine ".
He claimed the ambassador was giving the "Russian version of events" which were "misleading", and challenged Mr Filatov - who claimed his country didn't want to pursue military action.
In an increasingly tense exchange, David asked his guest: "why our government entertain your presence here when you're acting as an apologist for slaughter?"
Mr Filatov clapped back: "It is a good question. You might ask your government. It's up to them. I can leave any time."
Opposition parties have called for the Russian Ambassador to Ireland to be expelled, with Tanaiste Leo Varadkar not ruling the move out.
The awkward interview ended with David announcing: "Yury Filatov, Ambassador of Russia to Ireland, for the moment at least."
Many praised the pro for his no-nonsense approach, with one viewer going so far as to say David's interview was "the best in RTE's 60-year history".
Twitter was awash with praise for the journalist, with one fan posting: "David McCullagh letting the Russian Ambassador have it!"
A second said: "David McCullagh has no time for the Russian Ambassador’s bulls**t on Six One and it is outstanding!"
A third wrote: "David McCullagh having a stormer on RTE's Six One, tearing through the Russian ambassador to Ireland and his attempts at BS and waffle....well done @mcculld."
While a fourth fumed: "If only David McCullagh could give Putin a grilling like he gave the Russian ambassador. Lies lies and catching flies. Well done @mcculld #rtenews. Hard to keep calm listening to his bull."
As the invasion ordered by Russian President Vladimir Putin continues, Ukraine's health minister says the attacks have so far killed 198 Ukrainians.
The UN estimates that at least 120,000 people have escaped the country in the past 48 hours.
