President Joe Biden mistook Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for “President Putin” during a NATO event on Thursday.
This latest gaffe came just before a highly anticipated press conference, which many pundits predict may be a "make or break" moment for his campaign.
The NATO event was to celebrate the Ukraine Compact, an agreement between countries expressing their support for Ukraine.
"And now I want to hand it over to the president of Ukraine, who has as much courage as he does determination, President Putin," Biden said. NOW - Biden: "And now I want to hand it over to the President of Ukraine... ladies and gentlemen, President Putin." pic.twitter.com/tELnNtTIcC
— Disclose.tv (@disclosetv) July 11, 2024
As the awkward applause began, Biden repeated, "President Putin," adding, " He's going to beat President Putin." 🚨 Biden introduces Zelenskyy as Putin: “And now I want to hand it over to the president of Ukraine, who has as much courage as he has determination. Ladies and gentlemen, President PUTIN”
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) July 11, 2024
The U.S. President attempted to brush off the massive flub by saying he was "so focused on beating Putin we gotta worry about it." Zelensky’s face when Biden introduced him as President Putin 🤣 pic.twitter.com/v2Itu16OVb
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) July 11, 2024
Zelenskyy took the microphone and said, "I'm better," to which Biden replied, "You're a hell of a lot better."
Newsweek noted that this is not the first time Biden has made a mistake when referencing Zelensky. "He's previously mistakenly called him Vladimir and while vocalizing support for Ukraine, accidentally said supplies being sent were intended to counter 'Ukraine's brutal aggression that's happening because of Russia.' Biden likely meant Russia's 'brutal aggression,'" the report explained.
