Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky shrugged off US President Joe Biden’s recent slip-up, where Biden mistakenly referred to him as Russian President Vladimir Putin. Zelensky, speaking at Shannon Airport in Ireland on Saturday, said, “It’s a mistake. The United States has given a lot of support to Ukrainians. We can forget some mistakes, I think.”
During his visit to Ireland, Zelensky is set to meet with Irish leader Simon Harris for their first bilateral meeting on Irish soil. Zelensky expressed gratitude to Ireland for its support, saying, “Thank you so much for your support, and for hosting many Ukrainian refugees. You were with us from the very beginning of the Russian invasion.”
Harris is expected to reaffirm Ireland’s support for Ukraine’s EU membership bid during their discussions.
Zelensky’s visit to Ireland follows his attendance at a NATO summit in Washington, marking the alliance’s 75th anniversary. It was at this summit that Biden, 81, made the gaffe. As he introduced the NATO-Ukraine compact, Biden said, “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.” He quickly corrected himself, saying, “President Putin! He’s going to beat President Putin. President Zelensky — I’m so focused on beating Putin we gotta worry about it. Anyway, Mr. President.”
Zelensky humorously responded that he was “better” than Putin, but the incident has added to concerns about Biden’s age and mental sharpness. Despite this, Biden remains committed to running for another term in November.
