Biden in State of the Union Address: Putin is Isolated from the World, Russian Economy is Collapsing

(Patria) - US President Joe Biden delivered his traditional State of the Union address to Congress. He said the Russian invasion of Ukraine was unprovoked, and called the Russian president a dictator, stating that Vladimir Putin did not expect the West's response.

"Freedom will always triumph over tyranny," he said.

"Putin's war was premeditated and unprovoked. He rejected efforts at diplomacy. He thought the West and NATO would not respond. And he thought he could divide us here at home," Biden said.

"Putin was wrong. We were ready," he added.

Biden announced a ban on US airspace for Russian aircraft, similar to what the European Union and Canada have done.

"Six days ago, Russian President Vladimir Putin tried to shake the very foundations of the free world. Thinking he could force it to submit to his threats. But he miscalculated badly when he attacked Ukraine. He thought he could march into Ukraine and the world would not react. Instead, he met a wall of strength he never expected or imagined. He met the Ukrainian people," Biden said.

"We have been preparing for months, forging alliances... Putin is now more isolated from the world than ever before, because democracies united against autocracy are fighting," he added.

"Together with our allies, we are imposing severe sanctions, the Russian economy is destroyed, it is collapsing, and Putin alone is responsible for this, no one else."

Biden also addressed Ukraine, expressing solidarity with the Ukrainian people, for which he received ovations from Democrats and Republicans. He invited them to stand up in the hall of Congress in support of Ukraine.

"Ukrainians are inspiring the world. Citizens are blocking tanks with their bodies, everyone from students to retirees has become a soldier and is defending their homeland."

"In this fight, President Zelensky said in his speech to the European Parliament, 'light will triumph over darkness.' The Ukrainian Ambassador to the US is here tonight and sitting with the First Lady," Biden said, and continued:

"Let each of us here tonight, if you can, stand up and send your support to Ukraine."

The Ukrainian Ambassador to the United States, Oksana Markarova, stood with First Lady Jill Biden as the hall applauded, holding her country's flag.

"We, the United States of America, stand with the Ukrainian people," Biden said.

"This is a true test. And it will take time. So let us continue to draw inspiration from the iron will of the Ukrainian people. To our fellow Ukrainian Americans who have built a deep connection that links our two nations, we stand with you," he said.

"Throughout history, we have learned a lesson: when dictators do not pay the price for their aggression, they cause even more chaos. That is why NATO was created to ensure peace and stability in Europe after World War II. The US is a member of this alliance, along with 29 other countries. This is important, American diplomacy is important," Biden said.

"Putin has unleashed violence and chaos. But while he may achieve battlefield gains, he will pay a high price in the long run," he added.

Biden said the US intends to go after Russian oligarchs who support Putin.

"Tonight, I say to Russian oligarchs and corrupt leaders who have built billions of dollars on this violent regime, enough is enough. The US Department of Justice is assembling a task force to investigate Russian oligarchs for their crimes," he said.

Biden also said that the US, along with 30 other countries, is working to release 60 million barrels of oil from strategic reserves worldwide.

Biden reiterated that the US will not send troops to Ukraine after the Russian invasion.

"To be clear, our forces are not and will not engage in conflict with Russian forces in Ukraine."

Instead, Biden said, US troops are deployed across Europe, not to fight in Ukraine, "but to defend our NATO allies in case Putin decides to attack the West."

"To that end, we have mobilized US ground forces, air squadrons, and naval ships to protect NATO countries, including Poland, Romania, Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia," he added.