Biden's Slip at NATO Summit: 'President Putin' Gaffe Causes Stir

U.S. President Joe Biden accidentally referred to Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelenskiy as Russian President Vladimir Putin at a NATO summit in Washington, before quickly correcting himself. The slip drew a gasp from the room, and Zelenskiy responded humorously. Biden is under scrutiny as he eyes re-election against former President Donald Trump.

U.S. President Joe Biden on Thursday mistakenly referred to Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelenskiy as Russian President Vladimir 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 said, referring to Zelenskiy.

Quickly correcting himself, Biden added: 'President Putin, you're going to beat President Putin, President Zelenskiy. I am so focused on beating Putin.' The room at the summit gasped when Biden misidentified Zelenskiy as Putin. The comments came at an event during which Biden launched an initiative with allies aimed at supporting Ukraine's security needs.

Zelenskiy responded to Biden's comments with humor, saying, 'I am better (than Putin).' Biden replied: 'You are a hell of a lot better,' prompting some laughter in the room, before Zelenskiy began his own address.

Biden has been under intense scrutiny in recent days, facing doubts from members of his own Democratic Party about his re-election chances following a weak performance in a debate last month against Republican former President Donald Trump. Despite criticism, Biden has vowed to continue his re-election bid, asserting he is the best candidate to defeat Trump in the November elections.

Later on Thursday, Biden plans to hold his first solo press conference since November at the NATO summit. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz defended Biden's mistake, stating: 'Slips of tongue happen, and if you always monitor everyone, you will find enough of them.'

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, during a separate press conference, avoided questions on Biden's fitness for the U.S. presidency, instead praising Biden's leadership at the NATO meeting. At the summit, NATO members pledged continued support for Ukraine in its fight against the Russian invasion. The United States has been a key partner in providing military assistance to Ukraine since the war began in February 2022.

Earlier, ahead of a bilateral meeting, Biden assured Zelenskiy: 'We will stay with you, period.'