Biden State Union Address Had Ukraine In Centre Stage

Joe Biden used his first State of the Union address to ensure the American public that he was going to take Russia to task for its gross disregard for human lives. He highlighted the resolve of a reinvigorated Western alliance too. On the flipside, a leading Russian bank Sberbank has decided to pull out of European markets amid tightening Western sanctions.

Biden addressed the nation on his 9pm speech on the national television, seen by the entire world. Days after Russia attacked Ukraine and Biden appointed the first black woman to sit on the Supreme court, his speech gains special importance.

America is facing the highest inflation rate in history, caused by coronavirus pandemic. Additionally, the all-time low job market of 37% is another important topic for Americans. For the President this is a difficult task of maintaining balance between the current crisis faced by country and his political legislative wins so far.

His leadership position is been tested on the current crisis and the threat looming on Europe’s stability since World War II. Historically, the annual address to Congress has more focus on topics relevant to the domestic topics, whereas this time the war in Ukraine is likely to be the main topic address by the US president.

“There’s no question that this speech is a little different than it would have been just a few months ago,” White House press secretary Jen Psaki told reporters recently.

Biden’s efforts to unite the western leaders and taking command in creating allies to a common foe, Putin may also work on his advantage in demonstrating his leadership skills.

Joe Biden’s actions to support Ukraine against the autocratic behaviour of Russia also proves his clear approach towards Russia and other nations. He often describes the world as facing an ‘inflection point’ during which it’s the United States’ responsibility to show that democracy can still work. In his first 13 months in office Biden has reaffirmed the traditional relationships and strengthen ties with international institutions like NATO. With the current actions of Russia, the NATO alliance has strengthened its ties and western nations have come together against Russia. Biden has also proved his mettle, by fulfilling his promise of bringing back America to a position of leadership in the world by withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan, bringing back Iran back to the agreement over its nuclear program and unprecedented, punitive sanctions against Russia; pre-emptive releases of intelligence information.