US President Joe Biden in yet another embarrassing verbal flub on Thursday, introduced Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at a Nato conference as “President Putin,” shortly before he is set to hold a high-stakes solo news conference where he will face questions from reporters about his
re-election bid
.
The 81-year-old delivering remarks at the Nato Summit said, “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.
President Putin,” Biden said, before catching his mistake.
“He’s gonna beat President Putin, President Zelenskyy,” Biden said to which Zelenskyy handled the flubbed introduction with humor, quipping, "I’m better."
Biden replied, “You are a hell of a lot better.”
However, the room at the summit gasped when Biden mistakenly identified Zelenskyy as Putin, and the president's new gaffe quickly went viral.
While the president has previously mixed up foreign leaders' names, introducing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as Russian President Vladimir Putin was a notably painful error at a crucial time for him. Biden promptly corrected himself, but at this pivotal moment in his campaign, with intense scrutiny on his performance, it's the kind of stumble that will concern Democrats.
Biden has faced intense scrutiny recently, with doubts about his reelection chances from members of his own Democratic Party following a weak and lackluster debate performance against former President Donald Trump late last month.
Later on Thursday, Biden plans to hold a solo press conference at the Nato summit, marking his first solo press appearance since November. His remarks coincided with Nato members extending support to Ukraine in its fight against the Russian invasion that began in February 2022. The United States has been Ukraine's most crucial partner in providing military assistance during the conflict.
English (US) ·