Biden: "Freedom Always Defeats Dictatorship... Putin Now Isolated Worldwide" (Update 2)

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Seulgina Cho] "Vladimir Putin, President of Russia, is now isolated from the entire world."

In his first State of the Union address since taking office, U.S. President Joe Biden clearly stated his intention to make 'dictator' President Putin pay the price for Russia's invasion of Ukraine. However, he also confirmed that the U.S. will not directly deploy troops to Ukraine.

In the State of the Union address held at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. on the night of the 1st (local time), President Biden said, "Freedom always triumphs over dictatorship." He pointed out, "Six days ago, President Putin thought he could threaten the free world and shake its foundations," adding, "He was mistaken."

President Biden said that Putin believed the world would be overturned through the invasion of Ukraine, but "he faced a wall of strength he never expected or imagined," and "he met the Ukrainian people."

He also directly targeted President Putin, emphasizing that "if dictators do not pay the price for aggression, they cause more chaos," and pledged to continue additional sanctions. President Biden mentioned South Korea along with the European Union (EU), the United Kingdom, Japan, and the neutral country Switzerland, which are participating in sanctions against Russia. Furthermore, he announced that the U.S. has decided to ban Russian aircraft from flying over its airspace, following Canada and the European Union (EU).

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

President Biden also reiterated his support for Ukraine. Early in the speech, he introduced Ambassador Markarova by saying, "Light will overcome darkness." When President Biden said, "Let's stand up and send a signal to the world and Ukraine," a standing ovation followed inside the Capitol. Many people inside the Capitol were seen wearing blue and yellow outfits symbolizing the Ukrainian flag or holding the flag. When he repeated, "We support Ukraine," twice, applause erupted again.

However, President Biden confirmed that he will not send troops to Ukraine. He said, "Our troops will not engage Russian forces in Ukraine, nor will they intervene in the conflict." He mentioned, "We have deployed U.S. ground forces, air squadrons, and ships to protect NATO countries including Poland, Romania, Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia," and added, "The U.S. and its allies will defend all NATO member territories." He further noted that the U.S. and its allies have provided over one billion dollars in military, economic, and humanitarian aid to Ukraine.

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