European Leaders Defend Biden Amid Concerns Over Gaffes at NATO Summit

European leaders defended U.S. President Joe Biden after several gaffes during a NATO summit, while European media questioned his fitness to defeat Donald Trump in the upcoming election. Despite some sympathetic reactions from Ukrainians, others worry about potential consequences for Ukraine if Biden's mental acuity is doubted.

European leaders defended U.S. President Joe Biden following a series of gaffes at a NATO summit, while media across the continent seized on the missteps to suggest he might not be capable of defeating Donald Trump in the forthcoming presidential election.

During the summit in Washington, Biden, 81, mistakenly referred to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy as 'President Putin' and mixed up the names of his Vice President Kamala Harris and Trump during a press conference meant to bolster public trust in his mental fitness.

Despite these mishaps, European leaders were largely diplomatic. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz played down the concerns, stating that 'slips of tongue happen.' Meanwhile, newly elected British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and other leaders defended Biden's competence, though right-wing politicians like Geert Wilders offered criticism.

(With inputs from agencies.)