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Saul Loeb/AP

Biden bans Russia from US airspace and calls Putin a 'dictator' in first State of the Union address

The US president highlighted the bravery of Ukrainian defenders and the resolve of a newly reinvigorated Western alliance.

US PRESIDENT JOE Biden vowed in his first State of the Union address on Tuesday night to check Moscow’s aggression in Ukraine as he announced a ban on Russian planes in US airspace.

Biden also noted the US was working to seize the yachts and apartments of Russian oligarchs, saying: “We are coming for your ill-begotten gains.”

Biden, in remarks before Congress, highlighted the bravery of Ukrainian defenders and the resolve of a newly reinvigorated Western alliance that has worked to rearm the Ukrainian military and cripple Russia’s economy through sanctions.

He warned of costs to the American economy, as well, but warned ominously that without consequences, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s aggression would not be contained to Ukraine.

“Throughout our history we’ve learned this lesson – when dictators do not pay a price for their aggression, they cause more chaos,” Biden said. “They keep moving. And the costs and threats to America and the world keep rising.”

As Biden spoke, Russian forces were escalating their attacks in Ukraine, having bombarded the central square of country’s second-biggest city Kharkiv and Kyiv’s main TV tower, killing at least five people. The Babi Yar Holocaust memorial was also damaged.

Many lawmakers wore pins on their lapels honouring Ukraine.

Even before the Russian invasion sent energy costs skyrocketing, prices for American families had been rising, and the Covid-19 pandemic continues to hurt families and the country’s economy.

Biden outlined plans to address inflation by reinvesting in American manufacturing capacity, speeding supply chains and reducing the burden of childcare and eldercare on workers.

“We have a choice,” Biden said. “One way to fight inflation is to drive down wages and make Americans poorer. I have a better plan to fight inflation. Lower your costs, not your wages.”

Biden entered the House chamber without a mask, in a reflection of the declining coronavirus case counts and new federal guidance meant to nudge the public back to pre-pandemic activities. But the Capitol was newly fenced due to security concerns after last year’s insurrection.

Set against disquiet at home and danger abroad, the White House had conceived Tuesday night’s speech as an opportunity to highlight the improving coronavirus outlook, rebrand Biden’s domestic policy priorities and show a path to lower costs for families grappling with soaring inflation.

But it has taken on new significance with last week’s Russian invasion of Ukraine and nuclear sabre-rattling by Putin.

featureimage Joe Biden said said the US is working to seize the yachts and apartments of Russian oligarchs Jim Lo Scalzo / AP Jim Lo Scalzo / AP / AP

As is customary, Energy Secretary Gina Raimondo was kept in a secure location during the address ready to take over the government in the event of a catastrophe, in a holdover from the Cold War that took on new significance in light of Putin’s threats.

In an interview with CNN and Reuters, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he urged Biden to deliver a strong and “useful” message about Russia’s invasion.

Ahead of the speech, the White House announced that Ukrainian Ambassador to the US Oksana Markarova would join first lady Jill Biden in the galleries to watch Biden’s address.

Rising energy prices as a result of Russia’s war in Ukraine risk exacerbating inflation in the US, which is already at the highest level in 40 years, eating into people’s earnings and threatening the economic recovery from the pandemic.

And while the geopolitical crisis in Eastern Europe may have helped to cool partisan tensions in Washington, it didn’t erase the political and cultural discord that is casting doubt on Biden’s ability to deliver on his pledge to promote national unity.

Biden spoke to an American public that is frustrated with his performance. A February AP-NORC poll found that more people disapproved than approved of how Biden is handling his job, 55% to 44%. That’s down from a 60% favourable rating last July.

Ahead of the speech, White House officials acknowledged the mood of the country is “sour,” citing the lingering pandemic and inflation.

Biden used his remarks to highlight the progress from a year ago — with the majority of the US population now vaccinated and millions more people at work — but also acknowledged that the job is not yet done, a recognition of American discontent.

Biden aides say they believe the national psyche is a “trailing indicator” that will improve with time. But time is running short for the president, who needs to salvage his first-term agenda to revive the political fortunes of his party before November’s midterm elections.

Before Biden spoke, House Republicans said the word “crisis” describes the state of the union under Biden and Democrats — from an energy policy that lets Russia sell oil abroad to challenges at home over jobs and immigration.

“We’re going to push the president to do the right thing,” said House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy.

The President also highlighted investments in everything from internet broadband access to bridge construction from November’s 1.2 trillion dollar (£900 billion) bipartisan infrastructure law as an example of government reaching consensus and delivering change for the nation.

He also appealed to lawmakers to compromise on rival competitiveness bills that have passed the House and Senate, both meant to revitalise high-tech American manufacturing and supply chains in the face of growing geopolitical threats from China.

“Instead of relying on foreign supply chains – let’s make it in America,” Biden said.

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    Mute ian kennedy
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    Oct 2nd 2017, 10:11 AM

    Shut that door quick

    258
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    Mute Ó Connmhaigh
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    Oct 2nd 2017, 12:04 PM

    @ian kennedy:
    I hear the sound of millions of stable doors being bolted…

    53
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    Mute ian kennedy
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    Oct 2nd 2017, 10:22 AM

    Anyone looking to get irish citezionship should be only given it with the knowledge that legaly it will be revoked if you engage ,support ,preach ,terrorism, your out same applies to there children ,grand children ect,ect.

    263
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    Mute siobhan pat mulcahy
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    Oct 2nd 2017, 10:46 AM

    @ian kennedy: you are right it should happen but would Angela Merkel allow us to do it?

    144
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    Mute ian kennedy
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    Oct 2nd 2017, 10:53 AM

    @siobhan pat mulcahy:we should just leave the EU ,if we cannot use our own laws

    129
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    Mute ian kennedy
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    Oct 2nd 2017, 11:10 AM

    @ian kennedy: i would rather live in a poor safe country,might as well be ,no homes ,people dieing on waiting lists for hospital app,ect

    34
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    Mute Darren Bates
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    Oct 2nd 2017, 11:15 AM

    @ian kennedy: plenty of Irish citizens in the IRA that have engaged in terrorism here, in Britain and on mainland Europe.

    3
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    Mute ian kennedy
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    Oct 2nd 2017, 11:30 AM

    @Darren Bates,AND

    44
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    Mute KingBen
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    Oct 2nd 2017, 11:39 AM

    @Darren Bates: you are so right, so this is all ok now then. Nothing to see here, move along.

    48
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    Mute Gus Sheridan
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    Oct 2nd 2017, 11:45 AM

    @Darren Bates: and your point is?

    43
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    Mute Dave O Keeffe
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    Oct 2nd 2017, 12:03 PM

    @Gus Sheridan: it was pretty clear, he was pointing out that under the proposal in the first comment in this thread they too would have their citizenship revoked. I’m not entirely sure it’s a bad thing

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    Mute johnp
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    Oct 2nd 2017, 11:26 AM

    Another failed asylum seeker let wander around Europe until he goes on a rampage. Our political leaders are a disgrace and people wonder why Le pen and afd are getting stronger and stronger

    125
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    Mute kevinhunt101
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    Oct 2nd 2017, 10:03 AM

    Jeez they didn’t waste anytime of their october attack! I’m sure there will be another though by months end. I’m gonna say Germany

    87
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    Mute Mark Brandt
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    Oct 2nd 2017, 5:58 PM

    @kevinhunt101: right on the money – German police stopped a terror attack in Bremen 2 days ago – you just see it on local news though : https://www.welt.de/politik/deutschland/article169196761/Bremer-Polizei-verhindert-Ueberfall-mit-terroristischem-Hintergrund.html

    9
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    Mute Veronica
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    Oct 2nd 2017, 9:54 AM

    RIP young women. More women’s lives brutally taken by men who hate women and our society where women are treated better than in his own. Pathetic.

    203
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    Mute Fred Jetson
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    Oct 2nd 2017, 11:03 AM

    @Veronica:

    And the male victims of all the other Islamic State attacks? Did we get a similar comment from you?

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    Mute Dave Murray
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    Oct 2nd 2017, 11:05 AM

    @Fred Jetson: We sure didn’t.

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    Mute Rex Banner
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    Oct 2nd 2017, 11:22 AM

    @Veronica: learn a new song

    31
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    Mute Veronica
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    Oct 2nd 2017, 11:38 AM

    @Fred Jetson: ? Yeah, I did, but this attack, similar to one recently in Finland, was directed specifically against women.

    I’m allowed to comment on attacks that specifically target women and express sympathy for the group of people who were specifically targeted. Ffs

    16
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    Mute Michael Geraghty
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    Oct 2nd 2017, 1:32 PM

    @Veronica: it was an attack on Europeans. Not just women. An attack in the name of Islam on our freedoms

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    Mute Mairtín
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    Oct 2nd 2017, 2:17 PM

    @Michael Geraghty: looks like they (Is) hate to see others happy, or enjoying themselves. They (is) are happiest when Women cover up allowing only the Eyes to be seen. That’s why they (is) feel in control, and to do that they murder women who don’t fit into their corrupt taught pattern, it’s their evil thoughts that cause harm, not Women.!!

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    Mute Paddy Hayden
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    Oct 2nd 2017, 5:39 PM

    @Veronica : It started at the Aria grande concert , targeting western females to kill . In isis controlled areas they kill the men and take the women as sex slaves , same with Boko haram , kill the men take the women , that’s the mentality of this crowd , and still people here think this ideology deserves a free pass in Ireland .

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    Mute Tom Harpur
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    Oct 2nd 2017, 9:50 AM

    Cowardly F)ucking Pr)cks

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    Mute winston smith
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    Oct 2nd 2017, 10:06 AM

    COWARDS…not fighters.

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    Mute Tomasz Kuchnik
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    Oct 2nd 2017, 10:17 AM

    Islamic state… Bronze Age cowards… slit woman’s throat as an act of power…only in their culture so.

    Cultural differences

    http://img4.imagetitan.com/img.php?image=16_a8d0faac-513c-40a2-a4a9-c75ea40ca8cd.jpeg

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    Mute Robert T Pooner
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    Oct 2nd 2017, 1:53 PM

    @Tomasz Kuchnik: Poland is awesome man. Thinking of emigrating there.

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    Mute methodical2020
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    Oct 2nd 2017, 10:16 AM

    Off course they have….most likely found an ISIS flag and an well polished passport!! these guys are very professional……the so called “War of Terrorism” is ticking along nicely.

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    Mute Avina Laaf
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    Oct 2nd 2017, 12:04 PM

    @methodical2020:
    So who exactly to you think the (now dead) killer was? A CIA agent?

    9
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    Mute siobhan pat mulcahy
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    Oct 2nd 2017, 10:09 AM

    Las Vegas cops have just said theyre searching for female Asian American suspect who fled the scene. Was it terrorism too?

    34
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    Mute Jane
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    Oct 2nd 2017, 10:20 AM

    @siobhan pat mulcahy: surely it’s terrorism regardless of ethnicity of shooter?

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    Mute ian kennedy
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    Oct 2nd 2017, 10:51 AM

    @siobhan pat mulcahy: as u see were not allowed freedom to express our selves .its happing already

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    Mute Jane
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    Oct 2nd 2017, 11:01 AM

    @ian kennedy: who is preventing you from expressing yourself?

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    Mute ian kennedy
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    Oct 2nd 2017, 11:05 AM

    @Jane: the journal

    23
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    Mute Dave O Keeffe
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    Oct 2nd 2017, 11:39 AM

    @siobhan pat mulcahy: it’s definitely terrorism but it doesn’t seem to be this brand of terrorism. Could be wrong though. Ethnicity does not determine whether it’s terrorism or not

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    Mute Avina Laaf
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    Oct 2nd 2017, 12:00 PM

    @Jane:
    Depends if there was a political motive. Ethnicity doesn’t come into it.

    7
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    Mute Avina Laaf
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    Oct 2nd 2017, 12:03 PM

    @Dave O Keeffe:
    Why do you say definitely terrorism? It could be just mass murder (although the word ‘just’ seems a bit inappropriate).

    9
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    Mute Dave O Keeffe
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    Oct 2nd 2017, 12:06 PM

    @Avina Laaf: Yeah, you’re right. My apologies.

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    Mute Mark Byrne
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    Oct 2nd 2017, 12:18 PM

    @siobhan pat mulcahy: don’t tell Veronica.

    5
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    Mute Larissa Caroline Nikolaus
    Favourite Larissa Caroline Nikolaus
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    Oct 2nd 2017, 10:35 AM

    If you shout ‘Allahu Akbar ‘ during your morning dump, IS will claim responsibility

    43
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    Mute Michael Geraghty
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    Oct 2nd 2017, 10:44 AM

    @Larissa Caroline Nikolaus: are you trying to devalue the threats posed by islamic terrorism ? Patethic

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    Mute Jane
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    Oct 2nd 2017, 11:16 AM

    @Larissa Caroline Nikolaus: maybe so Larissa but they tend to prefer taking responsibility for the murder of innocent people.

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    Mute KingBen
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    Oct 2nd 2017, 11:43 AM

    @Larissa Caroline Nikolaus: childish and irresponsible comment. No respect for the women murdered at all.

    35
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    Mute Mairtín
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    Oct 2nd 2017, 2:22 PM

    @Larissa Caroline Nikolaus: Why would anyone want to shout ‘God is great’, if God already knows anyway, he doesn’t need puny weak women haters to go around shouting this out, now would he.!!

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    Mute Paddy Hayden
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    Oct 2nd 2017, 5:43 PM

    @Larissa Caroline Nikolaus: You’re quite right , isis will claim any islamist attacker , the only ones who don’t claim them are the mosque he would have come from , or the muslim community he lived among .

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    Mute Seán Dillon
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    Oct 2nd 2017, 10:58 AM

    Killed two women! what a brave man. Typical of these types of individuals.

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    Mute Dave O Keeffe
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    Oct 2nd 2017, 9:58 AM

    Fu(k Islamic fundamentalism

    132
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    Mute gregory
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    Oct 2nd 2017, 9:54 PM

    When will feminists speak out about Islamic barbarity against women? Very sad day for the ladies concerned and their families. Macron can take responsibility.

    11
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