Ukraine’s Invasion: Putin Must ‘Pay A Price’ – Biden
United States (US) President Joe Biden says his Russian counterpart, President Vladimir Putin must “pay a price” for his actions and indiscretions in Ukraine.
In his State of the Union speech, held at Capitol Hill 9.30pm EST, Biden said: “Throughout our history, we’ve learned this lesson – when dictators do not pay a price for their aggression, they cause more chaos. They keep moving. And, the costs and threats to America and the world keep rising.
“That’s why the NATO alliance was created to secure peace and stability in Europe after World War 2. The United States is a member along with 29 other nations. It matters. American diplomacy matters.
“Putin’s war was premeditated and unprovoked. He rejected efforts at diplomacy. He thought the west and NATO wouldn’t respond. And he thought he could divide us here at home. Putin was wrong. We were ready.
“Putin has unleashed violence and chaos. But while he may make gains on the battlefield – he will pay a continuing high price over the long run.”
The US President’s State of the Union speech also promised an “unwavering resolve” that “freedom will always triumph over tyranny”.
He detailed economic sanctions, such as the decision to cut off Russia’s largest banks from the international financial system and “choking off” Russia’s access to technology that will “sap its economic strength and weaken its military” for years to come.
On Biden’s announcement that the US will ban Russian flights from its airspace, the US Department of Transportation and Federal Aviation Administration said orders blocking Russian aircraft and airlines from entering and using all US airspace will be fully in effect by the end of Wednesday.
The orders suspend operations of all aircraft owned, certified, operated, registered, chartered, leased, or controlled by, for, or for the benefit of, any Russia citizen.
This includes passenger and cargo flights, and scheduled as well as charter flights that will “effectively close US air space to all Russian commercial air carriers and other Russian civil aircraft,” the department said.
Similarly, Biden delivered a clear message to Russian oligarchs saying; “Tonight I say to the Russian oligarchs and corrupt leaders who have bilked billions of dollars off this violent regime no more.
“The US Department of Justice is assembling a dedicated task force to go after the crimes of Russian oligarchs.
“We are joining with our European allies to find and seize your yachts your luxury apartments your private jets. We are coming for your ill-begotten gains.”
As the war enters its seventh day, across many cities of the world like Athens in Greece, thousands of people continued to gather in massive rallies protesting Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. – With The Guardian reports
