WASHINGTON – In response to Russia's escalating military activities in Ukraine, US President Joe Biden has stated that the US will block its airspace to all Russian jets.

Biden made the statement on Tuesday while delivering his first State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress, according to reports. "Tonight, I'm announcing that we'll join our allies in closing off American airspace to all Russian flights," Biden stated.

The United States' action came after similar ones by the European Union and Canada on Sunday. In reaction, Russia's aviation authorities announced on Monday that airlines from 36 nations, including the EU's 27 members, will be barred from using its airspace.

Biden underlined in his speech that US soldiers "are not engaged and will not engage in the fight with Russian forces in Ukraine," while denouncing Russia and reaffirming US support for Ukraine.

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