Biden praises Ukrainians as 'wall of strength' against Putin

President Biden praised the Ukrainian people as a “wall of strength” against the invasion launched last week by Russian President Vladimir Putin’s in his opening remarks of the State of the Union address on Tuesday.

“Six days ago, Russia’s Vladimir Putin sought to shake the foundations of the free world thinking he could make it bend to his menacing ways. But he badly miscalculated,” Biden said.  

“He thought he could roll into Ukraine and the world would roll over. Instead he met a wall of strength he never imagined. He met the Ukrainian people.” 

The president’s remarks were greeted by a standing ovation of members of Congress waving Ukrainian flags and with the Ukrainian ambassador to the U.S., Oksana Markarova, sitting in the galley of the House chamber with first lady Jill Biden.

The president singled out Markarova for applause and praised her resolve and the resolve of the Ukrainian people as she was warmly embraced by the first lady. 

“Let each of us here tonight in this chamber send an unmistakable signal to Ukraine and to the world,” the president said. 

“Please rise if you are able and show that, Yes, we the United States of America stand with the Ukrainian people,” Biden said, in which a standing ovation of lawmakers and officials followed.