Biden said in a speech as Russia bombed Ukraine in an attempt to suppress its resistance.
“Russia’s dictator invading abroad is costing the world,” Biden told U.S. lawmakers, promising “robust action to ensure that the pain of our sanctions is directed against the Russian economy.”
In his speech, Biden had planned to build on the success of his policy, discuss how the United States had broken the Covid-19 pandemic, and outline what he wanted to achieve in the coming months.
However, his intentions were overshadowed by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, one of the most significant geopolitical crises since the end of the Cold War.
At the beginning of Baiden’s speech, members of the US Congress greeted the Ukrainian people with standing views when the US President expressed solidarity with Ukraine.
Speaking on the sixth day of Russia’s invasion, Biden said Putin’s aggression was “premeditated and completely unprovoked,” and welcomed the Western Alliance’s determination to respond with heavy sanctions against Russia.
“[Putins] thought he could split us (..) However, Putin was not right. We are ready, “said Biden.
The president said he had instructed the Ministry of Justice to set up a special commission to investigate the crimes of Russian oligarchs “to find and confiscate their yachts, their luxury apartments, and their private planes.”
“We will take action against your illicit gains,” Biden promised.
“And tonight, I announce that we will join our allies in closing American airspace to all Russian flights, further isolating Russia and increasing pressure on its economy.”
Biden had previously spoken over the phone with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, accusing Moscow of “state terrorism” of bombing Kharkiv.
–
