By — Associated Press Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/watch-biden-calls-for-u-s-to-lead-the-way-in-supporting-ukraine Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter WATCH: Biden calls for U.S. to lead the way in supporting Ukraine Politics Feb 7, 2023 10:56 PM EDT Last year’s State of the Union was dramatically shaped by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which started days before the address. Watch Biden’s remarks in the player above. At that moment, the chances of Ukraine staying in the fight with a more formidable Russian military seemed highly unlikely. Nearly a year later, Ukraine is firmly in the fight. Biden took a moment to pay tribute to Ukraine, addressing one of his guests, Ambassador Oksana Markarova, as representing “not just her nation but the courage of her people.” WATCH LIVE: President Joe Biden’s 2023 State of the Union address He also applauded Congress for giving the Ukrainian what it needed to face Russia’s brutal aggression; the United States has already committed nearly $30 billion in security assistance since the start of the war. In private, administration officials have made clear to Ukrainian officials that Congress’ patience with the cost of the war will have its limits. But with Tuesday’s address, Biden offered an optimistic outlook about the prospects of long-term American support. “Ambassador, America is united in our support for your country,” Biden said looking toward Markarova in the gallery. “We will stand with you as long as it takes.” Watch more of PBS NewsHour’s State of the Union coverage: How will Biden address climate change in the 2023 State of the Union? Ukraine, China and how Biden will address foreign policy in the 2023 State of the Union How Biden could address inflation and the economy during the 2023 State of the Union We're not going anywhere. Stand up for truly independent, trusted news that you can count on! Donate now By — Associated Press Associated Press
Last year’s State of the Union was dramatically shaped by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which started days before the address. Watch Biden’s remarks in the player above. At that moment, the chances of Ukraine staying in the fight with a more formidable Russian military seemed highly unlikely. Nearly a year later, Ukraine is firmly in the fight. Biden took a moment to pay tribute to Ukraine, addressing one of his guests, Ambassador Oksana Markarova, as representing “not just her nation but the courage of her people.” WATCH LIVE: President Joe Biden’s 2023 State of the Union address He also applauded Congress for giving the Ukrainian what it needed to face Russia’s brutal aggression; the United States has already committed nearly $30 billion in security assistance since the start of the war. In private, administration officials have made clear to Ukrainian officials that Congress’ patience with the cost of the war will have its limits. But with Tuesday’s address, Biden offered an optimistic outlook about the prospects of long-term American support. “Ambassador, America is united in our support for your country,” Biden said looking toward Markarova in the gallery. “We will stand with you as long as it takes.” Watch more of PBS NewsHour’s State of the Union coverage: How will Biden address climate change in the 2023 State of the Union? Ukraine, China and how Biden will address foreign policy in the 2023 State of the Union How Biden could address inflation and the economy during the 2023 State of the Union We're not going anywhere. Stand up for truly independent, trusted news that you can count on! Donate now