During a recent public appearance, US President Joe Biden mistakenly referred to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as “President Putin,” in what appears to be the latest in a series of verbal missteps for the president. The incident occurred as Biden was introducing Zelensky during an event where 32 allies and foreign leaders gathered to announce their support for the newly announced “Ukraine Compact.”
Despite the slip-up, Biden praised Zelensky for his courage and determination, highlighting the Ukrainian president's leadership qualities. The gaffe comes at a time when Biden has been under scrutiny for his performance, particularly following a challenging debate two weeks ago.
Following the incident, Biden is expected to address the media later in the evening, facing questions about the mistake and other pressing issues. The misidentification of Zelensky as Putin has raised concerns among political allies, with some calling for Biden to consider stepping aside.
As Biden navigates this latest gaffe, his ability to project strength and clarity on the world stage is once again in the spotlight. The incident serves as a reminder of the challenges that come with high-profile public appearances and the importance of precision in diplomatic engagements.
