In a State of the Union address on Tuesday, US President Joe Biden will emphasize Western solidarity in the face of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, where the grave issue will eclipse domestic politics.

According to White House excerpts, Biden will declare that President Vladimir Putin began a “unprovoked” conflict in the belief that “the West and NATO would not respond” and that he “could divide us here at home.”

“Putin was wrong. We were ready,” as Biden delared. “Dictators” need to “pay a price for their aggression.”

With the major transatlantic effort to counter Russian aggression, the annual State of the Union Address – traditionally a time to address key US domestic issues – has taken on a new urgency this year.

Biden spoke with President Volodymyr Zelensky for more than 30 minutes only hours before his address to a joint session of Congress to propose more US assistance in arming Ukraine’s defense.

“Stop the invader as quickly as feasible,” Zelensky urged as he sought refuge in Kyiv from Russian artillery attacks.

First Lady Jill Biden was entertaining Ukrainian Ambassador Oksana Markarova in her VIP box for the address, which began at 9:00 p.m., symbolizing Washington’s resolve to do precisely that (0200 GMT).

A year into his administration, Democrats’ popularity ratings are hovering around 40%, and Republicans, many of whom are still captivated with Donald Trump, are expected to gain control of the legislature in the November midterm elections. Despite a healthy economy, the biggest price in four decades has negatively impacted public sentiment.