Biden introduces Zelensky as ‘President Putin’ in major gaffe
US president’s aides working on plan to convince him to step down after latest high-profile slip at Nato summit
By
Tony Diver
, US EDITOR
11 July 2024 • 10:20pm
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Joe Biden referred to Volodymyr Zelensky as “President Putin” in front of almost two dozen world leaders on Thursday night, in a significant gaffe that will worsen the crisis engulfing his presidency.
The US president, who is facing calls to stand down over concerns about his age, confused the Ukrainian president with the Russian leader in a speech at the Nato summit in Washington DC.
Mr Biden spoke for several minutes about the importance of protecting Ukraine from Russian aggression, before turning to Mr Zelensky and introducing him by the wrong name.
“Now, I want to hand over to the President of Ukraine, who has as much courage as he has determination,” he said. “Ladies and gentlemen: President Putin.”