US President Joe Biden introduces Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky during a Ukraine Compact event on the sidelines of the NATO members meeting at the Washington Convention Center July 11, 2024, in Washington, DC. He initially introduced Zelensky as President Putin. (Brendan Smialowski / AFP)
US President Joe Biden mistakenly refers to Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelensky as “President Putin” before correcting himself at the NATO summit in Washington.
“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,” Biden says, referring to Zelensky, before correcting himself.
“Going to beat President Putin, President Zelensky. I am so focused on beating Putin,” Biden says while correcting himself to the sound of gasps.
Zelensky responds to Biden’s comments by saying, “I am better (than Putin).”
Biden replies: “You are a hell of a lot better,” as some in the room laugh, before Zelensky begins his own address.
Biden has been under intense scrutiny in recent days and has faced doubts, including from members of his own Democratic Party, about his reelection chances after a weak and faltering performance in a debate late last month against Republican former President Donald Trump.
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From the Liveblog of
Thursday, July 11, 2024
