During a recent public appearance, US President Joe Biden mistakenly referred to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as “President Putin,” in what appears to be a verbal slip-up. The incident occurred as Biden was joined on stage by 32 allies and foreign leaders to announce their support for the newly announced “Ukraine Compact,” aimed at providing additional aid to Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia.
As Biden was about to invite Zelensky to speak, he inadvertently said, “please welcome President Putin,” before quickly correcting himself. This gaffe comes at a time when Biden has been under scrutiny for his performance, particularly following a challenging debate two weeks ago.
The Ukraine Compact seeks to strengthen support for Ukraine as it continues to face the repercussions of Russia’s invasion more than two years ago. The event was intended to showcase solidarity with Ukraine and underscore the commitment of the participating nations to stand by the country in its time of need.
Biden is expected to address the media later today, where he will likely face questions about the incident and other pressing issues. This moment is crucial for the president as he navigates international relations and faces mounting pressure from political allies regarding his 2024 campaign.
