The war in Ukraine, but also the economy dominated the speech of US President Joe Biden “on the state of the nation” in Congress.
It was Joe Biden’s first speech “on the state of the nation.” The appearance of the American president in the Congress caused applause, not only from the Democrat deputies, but also from many Republicans. At a time when inflation is rampant, opinion polls are predicting misery and alliances are not in favor of the Democrats’ reform agenda, the crisis in Ukraine is again giving Biden a chance to lead.
“I want to be clear,” he said. “Our forces are not involved and will not be involved in an armed conflict with Russian forces. They are not going to Europe to fight in Ukraine, but to defend NATO allies in the event that Putin decides to move west. That is why we have mobilized the US ground forces, the air force, the navy, to protect our allies, including Poland, Romania, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia. centimeter of NATO territory “.
“Putin wins, but he will pay”
In an effort to allay concerns about the impact of the Ukraine crisis on energy prices, the US president said the United States, along with 30 allies, had decided to allocate 60 million barrels of oil from its reserves to defuse the situation. As for the developments on the front, Joe Biden called Vladimir Putin a “dictator” and warned that “he may gain ground on the battlefield, but in the long run he will pay a high price. And the proud Ukrainians, who fight with all their might.” “They have proved in the 30 years of their Independence that they do not tolerate anyone who tries to take them back to the past.”
Joe Biden said the United States, like most European countries, would close its airspace to Russian aircraft, while announcing new $ 500 million in financial assistance to Ukraine. In an extremely rare moment of unity in Congress, Democrat and Republican lawmakers and senators interrupted Biden’s speech from time to time with persistent applause. Many carried with them handkerchiefs, scarves, badges or stickers with the national colors of Ukraine, in a symbolic sign of support.
Fighting inflation is a “top priority”
The reports on Ukraine lasted about 15 minutes, during the remaining 45 minutes of his speech the American president referred to internal issues. Of particular concern in recent months in the US is the rise in inflation, which in January reached 7.5% year on year, compared to 7% in December. This is the highest price in 40 years. Some analysts expect a “dramatic turn” in the monetary policy of the US Federal Reserve (Fed) in March and the uncertainty has already affected the yields on US government bonds, which are now reaching the highest levels in two and a half years.
Speaking in Congress, Joe Biden promises improvement, but does not fail to recall the economic achievements of recent months, which he attributes to the policy of the Democrats. “Despite economic success, record employment rates and higher wages, many families are struggling to pay their home bills,” he said. “Inflation is stealing what they have earned. A top priority for me will be to bring price developments under control,” said Joe Biden.
Giannis Papadimitriou (AP)
Source: Deutsche Welle
Source: Capital
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