In describing the Russian threat to Europe, US President Joe Biden appears to have confused the Baltics with the Balkans.
Speaking at the US Conference of Mayors on Friday, Biden warned that instability could spread to Europe if Congress fails to provide further aid to Ukraine.
“If we leave and Russia manages to continue its offensive and defeat Ukraine, what do you think will happen in the Balkans? What do you think will happen from Poland to Hungary?” Biden asked during an event with mayors. “It changes the dynamic,” she added.
Edward Lucas, a foreign policy analyst and expert on Eastern European issues who excerpted this passage from Biden’s speech, wrote that Biden apparently confused two regions with similar names.
“I think it would be up to the Baltic countries, not the Balkan countries. [Biden] I’m not the first to make this mistake,” Lucas noted on social media.
I believe it would be the Baltic countries and not the Balkans. I’m not the first person to make this mistake..
—Edward Lucas (@edwardlucas) January 19, 2024
Warnings from political leaders of Western countries have intensified in recent days that if the Russian threat is not taken seriously, an attack by Russian forces on NATO’s eastern wing could occur.
2024-01-20 06:25:00
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