- President Zelenskyy has been in the middle of several awkward moments in US history.
- Biden on Thursday mistakenly called Zelenskyy "President Putin."
- In 2019, he was put in a tough spot when Trump told him to "get together" with Putin to solve their problems.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has, through no fault of his own, found himself in some of the most acutely awkward moments in modern US history.
On Thursday during a NATO summit in Washington DC, he stood onstage as President Joe Biden made an embarrassing gaffe — calling him "President Putin."
"And now I want to hand it over to the President of Ukraine, who has as much courage as he has determination," he said, introducing Zelenskyy. "Ladies and gentlemen, President Putin."
As the summit audience launched into awkward applause, Zelenskyy looked conflicted as he stood rooted on his spot instead of moving to the podium.
NATO leaders react to Biden referring to Zelenskyy as “President Putin” pic.twitter.com/LTl1QdblD7
— TheBlaze (@theblaze) July 11, 2024
Biden backtracked quickly, correcting himself by saying: "President Putin? He's going to beat President Putin. President Zelenskyy."
He added: "I'm so focused on beating Putin, we gotta worry about it."
Zelenskyy quipped: "I'm better," as he shook Biden's hand and walked to the podium.
Biden responded: "You're a hell of a lot better."
The Ukrainian president has endured other embarrassing exchanges with US politicians.
While speaking with former President Donald Trump at the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in 2019, he maintained a cold silence when Trump leaned towards him and loudly said: "I really hope that you and President Putin get together and can solve your problem.
OMG -- get a load of the look on Zelensky's face as Trump tells him, "I really hope that you and President Putin can get together and solve your problem." pic.twitter.com/IIefxLdXvB
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) September 25, 2019
Trump added: "That would be a tremendous achievement, and I know you're trying to do that."
Ukraine is at the center of one of the most complex geopolitical conflicts unfolding now
Much like how he has been caught in awkward moments, Zelenskyy has, at numerous occasions, been at the heart of major political tensions in the US.
The president and his country were majorly embroiled in Trump's first impeachment. In 2019, Trump was impeached on accusations that he solicited the interference of the Ukrainian government in the 2020 election.
The articles of impeachment also accused him of withholding vital military aid and a White House meeting that Zelensky desperately wanted.
Trump was later acquitted of the charges.
At present, Zelenskyy finds himself at the center of one of the biggest geopolitical conflicts of the modern day as the Russia-Ukraine war stretches into its third year.
The US has stood with Ukraine since the start of Russia's invasion in February 2022 and has committed to sending more than $52 billion worth of aid.
And Biden said in June that the US will back Ukraine for a decade.
Representatives for Zelenskyy didn't immediately respond to requests for comment sent outside regular business hours.