Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's reaction to being mistakenly called "Putin" by President Joe Biden has quickly gone viral, capturing the attention of millions online. The incident occurred during the NATO summit in Washington, D.C., where Biden was announcing the Ukraine Compact, a long-term bilateral security agreement between NATO countries and Ukraine.
"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, committing a significant verbal blunder. Realizing his mistake almost immediately, Biden corrected himself, stating, "President Putin? He could beat President Putin." He then explained, "I'm so focused on beating Putin."
An edited side-by-side clip of Zelenskyy's reaction has since been viewed over 26 million times. In the video, Zelenskyy is seen trying to maintain his composure, attempting to play it cool despite the awkwardness of the moment. "I'm better," Zelenskyy quipped, comparing himself to Putin. Biden responded, "You're a hell of a lot better."
Watch Zelensky's reaction as Biden calls him Putin pic.twitter.com/TfVoAoryDX
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The gaffe has triggered additional calls from within Biden's own party for him to consider stepping aside in the upcoming presidential election. Four more House Democrats have publicly urged Biden to bow out, adding to the growing number of politicians expressing doubts over the 81-year-old president's ability to defeat Donald Trump in November.
Biden's debate performance with Trump in June had already sparked widespread public speculation about his mental aptitude and fitness for a second term. This latest incident at the NATO summit has only intensified those concerns.
Richard Kay, a close friend of Princess Diana, commented on Biden's apparent struggle to maintain his composure and clarity. "It kind of feels like it's been that way for the last four years," Kay said on the "Palace Confidential" podcast. "He turned his back on service, but he still needs to validate himself."
The incident at the NATO summit highlights the challenges Biden faces as he campaigns for reelection. His age and frequent verbal missteps have become focal points for critics, both within his party and among the opposition. The blunder at such a high-profile event underscores the scrutiny Biden is under as he seeks to convince voters of his capability to lead for another term.
Despite the gaffe, Biden's administration has continued to emphasize the importance of the Ukraine Compact. This agreement aims to solidify long-term security commitments between NATO countries and Ukraine, providing a united front against Russian aggression. Biden's slip-up, however, has overshadowed the significant policy announcement, drawing more attention to his verbal error than to the substance of the agreement.
The viral reaction to Biden's mistake also demonstrates the power of social media in shaping public perception. Within hours, the clip of Zelenskyy's reaction had been shared and commented on by millions, with users from around the world weighing in on the president's misstep. The incident has become a focal point for discussions about Biden's leadership and the future of the Democratic Party.
As Biden's team works to manage the fallout from this latest incident, the pressure is mounting for the president to demonstrate his competence and readiness for another term. The calls for him to step aside are growing louder, and the Democratic Party faces a critical decision about its leadership as the election approaches.