DUBLIN: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has downplayed a recent gaffe by US President Joe Biden, who mistakenly referred to him as Russian leader Vladimir Putin, saying such mistakes can be forgiven amid continued strong support from the United States.
Speaking at Shannon Airport during his visit to Ireland, Zelensky said: “It is a mistake. I think the United States has provided significant support to the Ukrainians. We can overlook some mistakes, I think so.”
During his visit, Zelensky is scheduled to meet Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris in what will be their first bilateral meeting on Irish soil. Zelensky, who expressed his gratitude to Ireland for its support and hospitality towards Ukrainian refugees since the beginning of the Russian invasion, stressed the importance of Ireland’s support for Ukraine’s aspirations to join the European Union, a topic expected to be raised during his talks with Harris.
Zelensky’s visit to Ireland comes after his participation in the NATO summit in Washington, where the Biden slip-up incident occurred. Biden, 81, initially referred to Zelensky as “President Putin” but later corrected himself, jokingly remarking that his goal was to counter Putin. Zelensky responded with humor, claiming he was “better” than Putin, though the incident raised concerns about Biden’s age and mental acuity. Despite these concerns, Biden has reaffirmed his intention to seek re-election in November.
