Biden Missteps, Refers to Zelenskiy as 'Putin' Amid Growing Election Concerns

U.S. President Joe Biden mistakenly called Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy 'President Putin' during a NATO summit. The slip sparked concerns about Biden's age and cognitive abilities ahead of the 2024 election. Biden faces increasing doubts from donors and Democrats regarding his ability to lead and defeat Donald Trump.

U.S. President Joe Biden mistakenly referred to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy as 'President Putin' on Thursday during a high-stakes news conference, aiming to quell concerns about his age and reelection prospects. '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 at the NATO summit in Washington, eliciting gasps from those present.

'Going to beat President Putin, President Zelenskiy. I am so focused on beating Putin,' Biden corrected himself. NATO members are concluding a summit in Washington to extend support to Ukraine against Russia's invasion led by President Vladimir Putin since February 2022.

Biden faces growing doubts from donors, supporters, and fellow Democrats, who fear he may no longer be capable of defeating Republican Donald Trump in the November election or leading the country for another term. At his first formal solo news conference since November 2023, Biden will have to address a wide range of reporter questions, including those about his cognitive health following a poor debate performance against Trump.