US President Joe Biden emphasized American support for Ukraine during his State of the Union address today, CNN reports.
"Together, we did what America always does at our best," Biden said. "We led. We united NATO. We built a global coalition. We stood against Putin’s aggression. We stood with the Ukrainian people, " he said.
Biden emphasized that Ukraine's Ambassador to the United States, Oksana Markarova, was among the guests of the White House. He asked Markarova to stand and the audience to greet her with applause.
“She represents not just her nation, but the courage of her people. America is united in our support for your country. We will stand with you as long as it takes," the US President added.
The United States has provided more than $29 billion in military aid to Ukraine since the Russian invasion began. On Friday, Biden announced a new security aid package worth more than $2.17 billion, which for the first time includes long-range missiles. Last month, the US pledged to provide Ukraine with 31 M-1 Abrams tanks.
Markarova joined the US First Lady as a guest of the event for the second year in a row. Ukraine's ambassador received a standing ovation at last year's State of the Union event, just days after Russia launched a war with Ukraine.