Ukraine crisis: What message was Biden sending to Putin?

Joe Biden spent the first 15 minutes of his State of the Union address talking about Russia's invasion of Ukraine, an event that certainly has transfixed the world more than the latest twists and stumbles of h

domestic legislative agenda.

Although Mr Biden's annual speech is billed as a message to Congress, his comments on Ukraine were tailored to four distinct audiences - with four distinct messages.

Here's a look at what he had to say and to whom.

To the Ukrainian people

Early in his speech, Mr Biden called out Ukrainian ambassador to the US Oksana Markarova, seated in the balcony next to Jill Biden and other distinguished guests.

"Thank you, thank you, thank you," he said, as members of Congress cheered.

The United States has already sent Ukraine military, economic and humanitarian aid. On Tuesday night, Mr Biden wanted to send a message that America cared about Ukraine's fate and stood by the embattled nation.

"From President Zelensky to every Ukrainian, their fearlessness, their courage, their determination inspires the world," he said.

Although Kyiv may be encircled by Russian tanks, his message was that more American help is on the way.