Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described Joe Biden’s mistake, introducing him as “President Putin” on Thursday at the NATO summit in Washington, as a “mistake” that he can “forget.”
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“It is wrong. I think the United States has been very supportive of the Ukrainians. We can forget some of the mistakes, I think that is the case.”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy is passing through Ireland before returning to Ukraine after the NATO summit in Washington.
Joe Biden announced “President Putin” on Thursday as he welcomed Volodymyr Zelensky to the stage.
“And now I want to give the floor to the President of Ukraine, who has great courage and determination. Ladies and gentlemen, President Putin.”
Joe Biden, who directed the Western response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, recovered immediately.
He walked away from the microphone before realizing his mistake and returning to it to say: “President Putin will be defeated. President Zelensky. I am very focused on defeating Putin.”
Volodymyr Zelensky spoke with Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris at Shannon Airport.
The Ukrainian president welcomed, saying: “Thank you very much for your support, thank you to Ireland for welcoming so many Ukrainian refugees, you have been with us since the beginning of the Russian invasion.”
Simon Harris said he would visit Ukraine “in the coming weeks” and invited Zelensky to return to Ireland for an official visit.
Simon Harris said the two leaders discussed during their bilateral meeting a possible agreement on demining, energy, humanitarian aid and food security.
