Joe Biden confuses Volodymyr Zelensky and Vladimir Putin at NATO summit

The American president confused his Ukrainian and Russian counterparts at the NATO summit in Washington on Thursday July 11, before correcting his mistake.

Another blunder for Joe Biden. At a NATO summit event in Washington on Thursday, July 11, the American president made a gaffe at the end of his speech. He announced “President Putin” as he welcomed Volodymyr Zelensky, before quickly correcting himself.

Is Biden really capable of maintaining his candidacy? “And now I want to hand over to the President of Ukraine, who has as much courage as he has determination. Ladies and gentlemen, President Putin,” said the 81-year-old Democrat, stepping away from the microphone before realizing his mistake and returning to correct: “He’s going to beat President Putin. President Zelensky. I’m so focused on beating Putin.”

Before a crucial press conference

Joe Biden’s Republican opponents were quick to post the video on social networks, underlining the seriousness of the error ahead of a press conference scheduled for 6.30pm (0.30am Paris time).

For the American president, the challenge will be to show repartee, to express himself clearly, with a confident voice, without notes or prompter. A challenge he failed to meet on June 27 in a debate with his Republican predecessor Donald Trump, whom he remains determined to face in the November election.

Reactions from his opponents

“If he comes in, looks at a form and looks for a reporter with a pre-decided question, it won’t be being ‘a big boy’. It will just say that everything is staged and written in advance,” said Jason Miller, a close Donald Trump adviser, on Newsmax.