America can do more for Ukrainians than wear blue and yellow — starting with protecting those already here

During President Biden’s State of the Union address Tuesday night, the state of bipartisan support for the Ukrainian people appeared to be strong.

Several in the House chamber were wearing blue and yellow, the colors of Ukraine’s flag. Others waved actual Ukrainian flags. Ukraine’s ambassador to the United States, Oksana Markarova, was the special guest of first lady Jill Biden and received a standing ovation.

The U.S. president opened his speech by praising the resiliency of Ukrainians. “From President Zelensky to every Ukrainian, their fearlessness, their courage, their determination, literally inspires the world,” Biden said. “Groups of citizens blocking tanks with their bodies. Everyone from students to retirees to teachers turned soldiers defending their homeland.” He implored the audience in the room to stand up and show that, “Yes, we the United States of America stand with the Ukrainian people.”