In a show of unity, Ukrainian Ambassador to the U.S.
In an interview with CNN and Reuters, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he urged Biden to deliver a strong and “useful” message about Russia’s invasion. But it took on new significance with last week’s Russian invasion of Ukraine and nuclear saber-rattling by Putin.Īs is customary, one Cabinet secretary, in this case Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, was kept in a secure location during the address, ready to take over the government in the event of a catastrophe. Set against disquiet at home and danger abroad, the White House had conceived Tuesday night’s speech as an opportunity to highlight the improving coronavirus outlook, rebrand Biden’s domestic policy priorities and show a path to lower costs for families grappling with soaring inflation. But the Capitol was newly fenced due to security concerns after last year’s insurrection. That’s why my top priority is getting prices under control.”īiden entered the House chamber without a mask, in a reflection of the declining coronavirus case counts and new federal guidance meant to nudge the public back to pre-pandemic activities. “Inflation is robbing them of the gains they might otherwise feel. “Too many families are struggling to keep up with the bills,” Biden said. READ MORE: 7 key takeaways from Biden’s 2022 State of the Union speech
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He will never weaken the resolve of the free world.”Įven before the Russian invasion sent energy costs skyrocketing, prices for American families had been rising, and the COVID-19 pandemic continues to hurt families and the country’s economy.īiden outlined plans to address inflation by reinvesting in American manufacturing capacity, speeding supply chains and reducing the burden of childcare and eldercare on workers. “He will never extinguish their love of freedom. “Putin may circle Kyiv with tanks, but he will never gain the hearts and souls of the Ukrainian people,” Biden said. and European allies were coming after their yachts, luxury apartments and private jets.
“We are coming for your ill-begotten gains,” he said, pledging that the U.S. He also said the Justice Department was launching a task force to go after crimes of Russian oligarchs, whom he called “corrupt leaders who have bilked billions of dollars off this violent regime.” is following Canada and the European Union in banning Russian planes from its airspace in retaliation for the invasion of Ukraine. The Babi Yar Holocaust memorial was also damaged.īiden announced that the U.S.
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And, the costs and threats to America and the world keep rising.”Īs Biden spoke, Russian forces were escalating their attacks in Ukraine, having bombarded the central square of country’s second-biggest city and Kyiv’s main TV tower, killing at least five people.
“Throughout our history we’ve learned this lesson – when dictators do not pay a price for their aggression, they cause more chaos,” Biden said. He warned of costs to the American economy, as well, but warned ominously that without consequences, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s aggression wouldn’t be contained to Ukraine.
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READ: Joe Biden’s full 2022 State of the Union addressīiden highlighted the bravery of Ukrainian defenders and the commitment of a newly reinvigorated Western alliance that has worked to rearm the Ukrainian military and cripple Russia’s economy through sanctions. He must marshal allied resolve against Russia’s aggression while tending to inflation, COVID-19 fatigue and sagging approval ratings heading into the midterm elections. It was a notable show of unity after a long year of bitter acrimony between Biden’s Democratic coalition and the Republican opposition.īiden’s 62-minute speech, which was split between attention to war abroad and worries at home - reflected the same balancing act he now faces in his presidency. Watch PBS NewsHour’s special programming of Biden’s State of the Union address and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in the player above.īiden declared that he and all members of Congress, whatever their political differences, are joined “with an unwavering resolve that freedom will always triumph over tyranny.” He asked the lawmakers crowding the House chamber to stand and salute the Ukrainians as he began his speech. inflation and deal with the fading but still dangerous coronavirus. WASHINGTON (AP) - Addressing a concerned nation and anxious world, President Joe Biden vowed in his first State of the Union address Tuesday night to check Russian aggression in Ukraine, tame soaring U.S.
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