This is the bizarre moment Joe Biden told the daughter of a freed prisoner 'no serious guys until you're 30' while awkwardly wrapping his am around her.
The president led a rendition of Happy Birthday to the girl who turns 13 on Friday in front of a room filled with family members of released Americans.
In footage of the moment,Biden tells the room 'Tomorrow is a big day,the 13th birthday of Miriam (Butorin),' who is the daughter of Alsu Kurmasheva,one of the hostages freed in a historic prisoner swap.
As he extends his hand to pull her towards him,he asks his audience to join him in singing Happy Birthday to the young girl.
'As you all know,we have a tradition in the Biden family. We sing Happy Birthday,' he said.
Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich is among those released from prison in Russia
Biden positioned family members behind him for the event,where he read from prepared remarks and took a series of questions from the press,at a time when the White House says he is 'recalibrating' his role now that he isn't seeking reelection.
'They never gave up hope. I can't imagine what they've been through,' he said.
He invoked his own late son Beau as he tried to describe what they grappled with.
'Family is the beginning,the middle,and the end,' he said.
The president said it 'says a lot' about American values that the US also pushed for the release of Russian dissidents being held inside their country.
He said they would not be free to 'live safely abroad' and said they would be able to continue working to promote democracy in Russia 'if they so choose.'
Biden focused many of his remarks on the freed Americans,who also included Vladimir Kara-Murza,a journalist and Russian-British dissident also part of the swap.
He referred to the quartet by the first names.
'This deal would not have been made possible without our allies,' said Biden.
On Thursday,Biden hailed the deal as a 'feat of diplomacy' that was testament to having good allies who make 'bold and brave decisions'.
The statement came just two weeks after Biden stepped back from the presidential race following heavy criticism of his age and abilities.
He has since been replaced by his vice president,Kamala Harris.
RussiaJoe Biden
