President Biden kicked off his first State of the Union tackle by slamming Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, claiming Russian President Vladimir Putin “badly miscalculated” earlier than attacking his Western neighbor.
“Six days in the past, Russia’s Vladimir Putin sought to shake the foundations of the free world pondering he might make it bend to his menacing methods. However he badly miscalculated,” Biden mentioned.
“He thought he might roll into Ukraine and the world would roll over. As an alternative he met a wall of power he by no means imagined. He met the Ukrainian folks.”
The president touted Ukraine’s “fearlessness,” “braveness,” and “willpower,” saying it “conjures up the world.”
“Teams of residents blocking tanks with their our bodies. Everybody from college students to retirees, academics turned troopers defending their homeland. On this wrestle as President Zelenskyy mentioned in his speech to the European Parliament ‘Gentle will win over darkness.’ ”
Biden then pointed consideration to Ukrainian Ambassador to the US, Oksana Markarova, who was in attendance.
“Let every of us right here tonight on this Chamber ship an unmistakable sign to Ukraine and to the world,” Biden mentioned as the 2 chambers of Congress gave Marakrova a standing ovation.
All through his remarks, the president highlighted NATO’s joint help for Ukraine by way of sanctions towards Russia and touted the US’s effort to unite European allies.
“I spent numerous hours unifying our European allies. We shared with the world upfront what we knew Putin was planning and exactly how he would attempt to falsely justify his aggression,” Biden mentioned. “We countered Russia’s lies with reality. And now that he has acted, the free world is holding him accountable.”
Biden referred to as Putin’s newest assault on Ukraine “ premeditated and unprovoked,” slamming his rejection of “repeated efforts of diplomacy.”
“He thought the West and NATO wouldn’t reply. And he thought he might divide us at dwelling. Putin was improper. We had been prepared.”
Among the many punishments the US has inflicted on Russia because the invasion started, Biden pointed to sanctioning Russian oligarchs, “ choking off Russia’s entry to expertise,” slicing off Russia’s largest banks, “closing off American air area to all Russian flights.”
“Tonight I say to the Russian oligarchs and corrupt leaders who've bilked billions of dollars off this violent regime: No extra,” he mentioned, including, “We're becoming a member of with our European allies to search out and seize your yachts, your luxurious flats, your non-public jets. We're coming on your ill-begotten features.”
The feedback drew huge cheers within the chamber.
Whereas reiterating the US’s dedication to supporting Ukraine by way of army, financial and humanitarian support, Biden once more mentioned the US won't be sending any forces into the nation.
“Our forces should not going to Europe to combat in Ukraine, however to defend our NATO Allies – within the occasion that Putin decides to maintain transferring west,” he mentioned. “For that goal we’ve mobilized American floor forces, air squadrons, and ship deployments to guard NATO nations together with Poland, Romania, Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia. As I've made crystal clear the US and our Allies will defend each inch of territory of NATO nations with the complete power of our collective energy.”
Biden once more touted the Ukrainian folks’s braveness later in his remarks, admitting the approaching days and weeks might be “laborious.”
“Putin has unleashed violence and chaos. However whereas he might make features on the battlefield – he pays a unbroken excessive value over the long term,” Biden mentioned. “And a proud Ukrainian folks, who've recognized 30 years of independence, have repeatedly proven that they won't tolerate anybody who tries to take their nation backwards.
“To all People, I might be sincere with you, as I’ve all the time promised. A Russian dictator, invading a overseas nation, has prices around the globe.”
In the direction of the top of his remarks on the Russia-Ukraine disaster, Biden slipped a small gaffe, saying “Putin might circle Kyiv with tanks, however he won't ever achieve the hearts and souls of the Iranian folks.”
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