Biden’s State of the Union Address Honors Memory of Tyre Nichols and Signals US Commitment to Ukraine with $2.17 Billion Package of Tanks and Missiles

President Joe Biden addressed the war in Ukraine during his State of the Union address on Tuesday, announcing a new package worth more than $2.17 billion that includes longer-range missiles for the first time. The package is part of the US’ commitment to provide Ukraine with 31 advanced M-1 Abrams tanks, a decision made in concert with European countries providing German-made Leopard 2 tanks. This marks a reversal of a red line previously held by the US and other Western countries, like Germany.

The US has pledged more than $29 billion dollars since the war in Ukraine began, according to the Pentagon. Biden’s announcement of the new package comes days after the funeral of Tyre Nichols, a Black man who died after being beaten by Memphis police officers during a traffic stop.

Congressional Black Caucus Chair Steven Horsford (D-Nev.) invited Nichols’ mother and stepfather, RowVaughn and Rodney Wells, to the address. The couple sat alongside first lady Jill Biden during the speech.

RowVaughn Wells and Rodney Wells attended the funeral service for Tyre Nichols at Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church in Memphis, Tennessee, on Feb. 1. The couple was invited to the State of the Union address as a way to honor Nichols’ memory and to recognize the ongoing fight for racial justice in the US.

The US’ commitment to Ukraine is a sign of the Biden administration’s commitment to global security and stability. The package of tanks and missiles is a strong signal of support for Ukraine and its fight against Russian aggression. Biden’s State of the Union address was an opportunity to recognize the US’ commitment to Ukraine and to honor the memory of Tyre Nichols.