Zelensky dismissed Biden accidentally calling him Putin as a ‘mistake’

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said President Biden mistakenly referring to him as Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday was a mistake that could be forgotten about.

“It’s a mistake. I think United States gave a lot of support for Ukrainians,” Zelensky told reporters on Saturday, Reuters reported. “We can forget some mistakes, I think so.”

Zelensky was referring to the moment when Biden was introducing him at a NATO summit event in Washington earlier this week.

“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.

Biden quickly corrected himself, saying “He’s going to beat President Putin. President Zelensky.”

“I’m so focused on beating Putin, we’ve got to worry about it,” Biden joked.

Zelensky jumped in and said, “I’m better.”

“You are, a hell of a lot better,” Biden said.

The mix-up comes at a time of increased scrutiny for Biden. The accident garnered significant attention as the 81-year-old faces calls from members of his party to step aside and allow someone else to take on former President Trump in the election.

Biden had just had several days of meetings with international leaders, many of which focused on supporting Ukraine in its ongoing war with Russia.

The Zelensky-Putin comment came just hours before Biden accidentally referred to Vice President Kamala Harris as “Vice President Trump” in a press conference after the NATO summit.

At the press conference, Biden spoke harshly of Putin and the war. Biden said Putin instilled fear in Europe and called him a “murderous madman.”

Russia fired back at Biden, calling his remarks “absolutely unacceptable.”