Putin ‘badly miscalculated’, US stands with Ukraine-Biden

U.S. President Joe Biden criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday and led a standing ovation for the embattled Ukrainian people in a State of the Union speech that he rewrote to address Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. In his his first State of the Union address  Biden called Russian President Vladimir Putin-led Ukraine invasion a "premeditated and unprovoked." The US and its allies were prepared for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. "Let each of us if you're able to stand, stand and send an unmistakable signal to Ukraine and to the world," Biden said.The lawmakers stood, applauded and roared, many of them waving Ukrainian flags. Vladimir Putin “badly miscalculated” with his invasion of Ukraine, President Joe Biden said, calling the Russian leader a “dictator” and warning that the war will leave his country weaker. The White House released excerpts of the speech.

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

That’s why the NATO Alliance was created to secure peace and stability in Europe after World War 2. The United States is a member along with 29 other nations.

It matters. American diplomacy matters.

Putin’s war was premeditated and unprovoked. He rejected efforts at diplomacy. He thought the West and NATO wouldn’t respond. And, he thought he could divide us here at home.

Putin was wrong. We were ready.

—

We have a choice. One way to fight inflation is to drive down wages and make Americans poorer. I have a better plan to fight inflation.

Lower your costs, not your wages. Make more cars and semiconductors in America. More infrastructure and innovation in America. More goods moving faster and cheaper in America. More jobs where you can earn a good living in America. And, instead of relying on foreign supply chains – let’s make it in America.

Economists call it “increasing the productive capacity of our economy.” I call it building a better America.

My plan to fight inflation will lower your costs and lower the deficit.

The annual speech to Congress gave Biden a platform to highlight his agenda, reassure fretful Americans and seek to boost his sluggish poll numbers amid dire warnings his fellow Democrats could face losses in November congressional elections.