President Joe Biden will claim during Tuesday night's State of the Union address that the U.S. was prepared to ensure that Russia will "pay" for its invasion of Ukraine.
According to excerpts from Biden's address, the president will call out Russian President Vladimir Putin over the decision to invade the eastern European nation.
"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," Biden will reportedly say. "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," the speech continues. "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."
This comes as the war between Ukraine and Russia has been going on for nearly a week, resulting in hundreds of casualties. The Ukrainian military has shown resistance thus far, holding off Russian forces outside the capital city of Kyiv. Hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians have fled the country as Russia continues to attack its European neighbor.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky publicly urged Biden earlier Tuesday to deliver a strong and "useful" message on the Russian invasion during his speech.
"He is one of the leaders of the world and it is very important that the people of the United States understand (that) despite the fact that the war is in Ukraine ... it is [a] war for the values of democracy, freedom," Zelensky said during an interview with CNN and Reuters.
The president will also address economic woes during his SOTU as the U.S. is enduring inflation not seen in 40 years.
"One way to fight inflation is to drive down wages and make Americans poorer. I have a better plan to fight inflation," Biden will say. "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," his SOTU address continues. "My plan to fight inflation will lower your costs and lower the deficit."
White House press secretary Jen Psaki first confirmed the president’s intention to address inflation in his speech, saying in a press briefing Monday that it is "a huge issue on the minds of Americans."
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