Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said he can “forget” Joe Biden’s gaffe when he introduced him as “President Putin.”
The American leader made the mistake on Thursday at a NATO summit in Washington DC, and in another high-profile gaffe hours later referred to his number two, Kamala Harris, as “Vice President Trump” at a news conference.
Asked about Biden’s incident with Putin during a visit to Ireland on Saturday, Zelenskyy told reporters: “It’s a mistake. I think the United States gave a lot of support to the Ukrainians. We can forget some mistakes, I think so.”
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Ladies and Gentlemen: President Putin
At the summit in Washington, Nato members pledged $43bn (£33bn) in military aid for Ukraine next year as the country fends off a full-scale Russian invasion and attempts to deter future aggression.
There were new promises of air defense support, including Patriot missile systems and F-16 fighter jets.
The latest blunders of Mr. Biden have further increased pressure on the 81-year-old, who is facing calls within his own party to step down as the Democratic candidate in the race for the White House amid concerns about his age and fitness to serve.
An NPR/PBS poll released Friday found Biden leading his 78-year-old Republican rival, Donald Trump, by 50% to 48%.
This represents a slight increase from his position before the June 27 debate, where the president appeared to lose his train of thought and his voice trailed off several times.
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Biden has repeatedly said he intends to stay in the race ahead of the November election.
And he retains the support of key party figures, including California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a prominent Democrat who is emerging as a possible future presidential candidate.
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President Biden’s various mistakes over the years
Biden gestures as he speaks to supporters in Detroit. Photo: AP
During a raucous performance at a rally in Detroit on Friday, Biden insisted: “I’m running and we’re going to win.”
“I’m the candidate,” he said. “I’m not going anywhere.”
“It’s time we stopped treating politics like entertainment or a reality show.”
And to cheers, he shouted: “Donald Trump is a loser!”
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NATO’s mistakes increase pressure on Biden
Biden also warned that Project 2025, a conservative policy platform that would seek to cut the federal government if Trump is elected, was “deadly serious.”
Since the June 27 debate, at least 19 Democrats in Congress have urged Biden to step aside so the party can elect another candidate, as have some donors. Hollywood starsactivist groups and the media.
Around $90m (£80m) in pledges will remain on hold while he remains in the race, the New York Times reported.
