Biden calls Zelensky ‘President Putin’: Joe makes large gaffe

President Joe Biden on Thursday called Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky by the name of Vladimir Putin, causing people in the room to shout a correction at  him.

‘Ladies and gentlemen, President Putin,’ Biden announced at a NATO event announcing new aid for the Ukraine.

The room gasped at his words.  Several people in the room called out Zelensky’s name to Biden to point out his error.

Hearing them, Biden clarified: ‘No, we’re going to beat Putin.’

His gaffe came in front of world allies who had joined him for the announcement and shortly before his make-or-break press conference, where his performance will determine whether he remains the Democratic nominee for president. 

President Joe Biden on Thursday called Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky by the name of Vladimir Putin

Biden had announced a new $225 million aid package for Ukraine, including a Patriot missile system to bolster its air defenses against the Russian airstrikes when he made his gaffe.

‘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.

He turned away from the podium and then heard the shouts from those calling ‘Zelensky’ at him.

‘President Putin? We’re gonna beat President Putin. President Zelensky! I’m so focused on beating Putin. We got to worry about it — anyway, Mr. President,’ he said.

‘I’m better,’ Zelensky said. 

‘You are a helluva lot better,’ Biden replied.

His error also came shortly before Biden’s first solo press conference in nine months when the eyes of the world will be upon him as he faces increasing pressure from Democrats to drop out of the presidential race.

Nicknamed a ‘big boy’ press conference, the pressure is on the president to show he can handle an unscripted moment without a major error.