Vladimir Putin will the price for Ukraine invasion; US forces will not engage in conflict: Joe Biden

Joe Biden launched heavy criticism of Putin in his remarks, saying the Russian leader had badly miscalculated Ukraine. "He thought he could roll into Ukraine and the world would rollover. Instead, he met a wall of strength he never imagined. He met the Ukrainian people," he said. 

WASHINGTON:  US President Joe Biden on Tuesday vowed that Russia`s Vladimir Putin will “pay over the long run” even if he makes gains on the battlefield in Ukraine. "While he may make gains on the battlefield – he will pay a continuing high price over the long run," President Biden said in his State of the Union address.

Joe Biden led a standing ovation for the embattled Ukrainian people on Tuesday in a State of the Union speech that he rewrote to assail Russian President Vladimir Putin for invading Ukraine. "Let each of us if you`re able to stand, stand and send an unmistakable signal to Ukraine and to the world," Biden said.

Often polarized along partisan lines, Democrats and Republicans rose to applaud his support for Ukraine, many waving Ukrainian flags and cheering in the chamber of the House of Representatives at his first formal State of the Union speech.

In a deviation from his prepared remarks, Biden said of Putin, "He has no idea what`s coming." Biden was looking to reset his presidency after the first year in office marked by rapid economic growth and trillions of dollars in new programs but beset by the highest inflation in 40 years and a lingering coronavirus pandemic.

The annual speech to Congress gave Biden a platform to highlight his agenda, reassure fretful Americans and seek to boost his sluggish poll numbers amid dire warnings his fellow Democrats could face losses in November congressional elections.