Biden's First State of the Union Address: "Putin Was Wrong... Dictator Must Pay for Invasion" (Summary)

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Joselgina] "If a dictator does not pay the price for aggression, it leads to greater chaos."

On the 1st (local time), U.S. President Joe Biden sharply criticized President Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine as planned and unjustified.

According to the excerpt of Biden's first State of the Union address distributed in advance by the White House, President Biden stated, "President Putin refused diplomatic efforts."

Biden emphasized, "He (Putin) thought the West and NATO would not respond and that he could divide us," adding, "He was wrong. We were prepared."

He pointed out, "Throughout history, we have learned this lesson: if a dictator does not pay the price for aggression, they cause more chaos," and added, "They keep moving, and the cost and threat to the United States and the world continue to grow." He further noted, "This is why the NATO alliance was created to ensure peace and stability in Europe after World War II."

Along with this, President Biden also addressed the issue of inflation in the United States, which is at its highest level in 40 years. He said, "One way to fight inflation is to lower wages and make Americans poorer," but explained, "I have a better plan."

Specifically, he emphasized, "Cut costs, not wages. Make more cars and semiconductors in the United States." He also mentioned more infrastructure and innovation within the U.S., and faster and cheaper movement of goods. He stressed, "Instead of relying on overseas supply chains, let's do it in America."

President Biden said economists call this 'increasing the productive capacity of the economy,' and added, "I would say it is about building a better America." He continued, "My plan to fight inflation will lower your costs and reduce the deficit."

The State of the Union address will begin at 9 p.m. Eastern Time (11 a.m. Korean time on the 2nd). The White House announced that Oksana Markarova, Ukraine's ambassador to the U.S., was invited by First Lady Jill Biden to sit near the First Lady's seat and listen to President Biden's speech. It is customary to invite special guests to the President's State of the Union address held annually at the joint session of Congress. Considering this, Ambassador Markarova's invitation is interpreted as a move to show solidarity with Ukraine against Russia's invasion.

Among the invitees were Frances Haugen, a whistleblower from social media Facebook, and Pat Gelsinger, CEO of Intel. Also invited were steel union members, nurses, educators, indigenous activists, and military spouses. A seventh-grade student who has been active in diabetes-related advocacy was also included. The White House explained, "These individuals were invited as representatives of the policies or topics President Biden will address in his speech."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.