Joe Biden Calls Zelensky 'Putin' Right Before Huge Press Conference

President Joe Biden accidentally called Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky "Putin," during a speech about the United States supporting Ukraine on Thursday.

Biden's comment comes less than an hour before a press conference that Democrats consider pivotal to his ability to remain the nominee. He's faced increasing pressure from Democrats, donors and famous supporters to step down from the presidential campaign since the June presidential debate. Some Democrats have called for withholding judgment until his NATO summit press conference on Thursday evening.

Less than an hour before the press conference, Biden attended an event to celebrate the Ukraine Compact, a bilateral agreement unifying countries in their support of Ukraine. He praised Zelensky for his determination and courage, but, as he was introducing him to speak, the president made a mistake.

"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.

As people started to applaud, Biden repeated "President Putin," and then said, "he's going to beat President Putin." Biden added that he was "so focused on beating Putin we gotta worry about it."

When Zelensky took the microphone, he made light of the mistake, saying, "I'm better." Biden responded, "You're a hell of a lot better."

Biden laughed off the mistake when asked about the gaffe during his press conference. He called it a successful conference and challenged the reporter to find him a "world leader who didn't think it was."

U.S. President Joe Biden seen with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Washington, DC, on December 12, 2023. Meanwhile, on Thursday Biden called Zelenksy "Putin" during a speech. (Photo by Mandel NGAN / AFP) (Photo by... U.S. President Joe Biden seen with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Washington, DC, on December 12, 2023. Meanwhile, on Thursday Biden called Zelenksy "Putin" during a speech. (Photo by Mandel NGAN / AFP) (Photo by MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images) More

It's not the first time that Biden has made a mistake when referencing Zelensky. He's previously mistakenly called him Vladimir and while vocalizing support for Ukraine, accidentally said supplies being sent were intended to counter "Ukraine's brutal aggression that's happening because of Russia." Biden likely meant Russia's "brutal aggression."

However, Thursday's gaffe comes at a critical time for Biden. Less than an hour after making the gaffe, Biden will deliver his first solo press conference this year and face questions from reporters. It's likely the questions will center on the revolt going on in the Democratic Party and concerns about his ability to win the election and even lead the country.

David Axelrod, chief strategist for former President Barack Obama's campaign, called the Putin gaffe an "unfortunate prelude" to the presser during a segment on CNN.

Meghan McCain, political commentator, and the daughter of late Republican U.S. Senator John McCain, took to X, formerly Twitter on Thursday to react to Biden's gaffe saying, "This is unsustainable for the country."

This is unsustainable for the country. https://t.co/z9P8zUCsjV — Meghan McCain (@MeghanMcCain) July 11, 2024

Founder and CEO of conservative organization, Turning Point USA, Charlie Kirk, also reacted to the gaffe on X saying, "Joe Biden introduced Vlodymyr Zelenskyy as President Putin. This really just happened. Not a cheap fake."

Newsweek has reached out to Biden's campaign for comment via email.