Biden vows support for Ukraine, punishment for Putin as Congress cheers

With the world watching, Joe Biden has begun delivering his first State of the Union, vowing to check Russian aggression and tame US inflation.

He asks the lawmakers crowding the House chamber to stand and salute the Ukrainians as he began his speech. They stand and cheered.

Biden, in remarks before Congress, highlights the bravery of Ukrainian defenders and the resolve of a newly reinvigorated Western alliance that has worked to rearm the Ukrainian military and cripple Russia’s economy through sanctions.

“From President Zelensky to every Ukrainian, their fearlessness, their courage, their determination, inspires the world,” he says.

He also warns of costs to the American economy, as well, but warns ominously that without consequences, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s aggression won’t be contained to Ukraine.

“Throughout our history we’ve learned this lesson – when dictators do not pay a price for their aggression, they cause more chaos,” Biden says. “They keep moving. And, the costs and threats to America and the world keep rising.”

“We are inflicting pain on Russia and supporting the people of Ukraine. Putin is now isolated from the world more than ever.”

In an apparent slip of the tongue, he also mentions support for “Kiev and the Iranian people.”