The flub did not go unnoticed.
George W. Bush accidentally called the invasion of Iraq “unjustified and brutal” in a speech slip-up while discussing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The former US President made the gaffe as he spoke at an event in Dallas on Wednesday (18 May), during which he criticised Russia.
“Russian elections are rigged. Political opponents are imprisoned or otherwise eliminated from participating in the electoral process,” Bush said.
“The result is an absence of checks and balances in Russia.
“And the decision of one man to launch a wholly unjustified and brutal invasion of Iraq,” he stated, before correcting himself to add: “I mean of Ukraine.”
Realising his error, Bush then said “Iraq, too” under his breath.
He blamed the mistake on his age, also adding: “Anyway, I’m 75,” as attendees at the event laughed.
In 2003, while he was US president, Bush ordered the invasion of Iraq.
This was over concerns the Saddam Hussein regime had weapons of mass destruction, though these were never found.
You can watch Bush make the slip-up below.
Speaking in Dallas this afternoon, former President George. W Bush made a significant verbal slip-up while discussing the war in Ukraine.
He tried referencing what he described as the “wholly unjustified and brutal invasion” — but said Iraq, instead of Ukraine. pic.twitter.com/tw0VNJzKmE
— Michael Williams (@michaeldamianw) May 19, 2022
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