In a State of the Union speech dominated by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, President Joe Biden slammed Russian President Vladimir Putin, restricted Russian flights from American airspace, and led Democratic and Republican lawmakers in a rare show of unity.
“Let each of us, if you’re able, stand and send a clear signal to Ukraine and the world,” Biden asked Democrats and Republicans.
Many lawmakers waved Ukrainian flags and cheered in the House of Representatives chamber as they applauded Ukraine, despite their severe divisions on taxes, voting rights, and gun safety. The flag’s colors of yellow and blue were worn by some female members of Congress.
“He has no idea what’s coming,” Biden remarked of Putin, departing from his prepared statements.
After a first year in office defined by fast economic development and trillions of dollars in new initiatives, but also by the greatest inflation in 40 years and a persistent coronavirus outbreak, Biden was eager to reset his presidency.
