France Excludes Russia from D-Day 80th Anniversary Amid Ukraine Conflict | WPN World People News

The French Presidential Office stated on May 30 that, in light of Russia’s war against Ukraine, Russia would not be invited to participate in the 80th anniversary commemoration of the D-Day Normandy landings .

The organizers had stated in April this year that Russian President Vladimir Putin would not be invited to the commemorative event held in France, but some Russian representatives would be welcome to attend in recognition of Russia’s sacrifices during the war.

According to reports, including German Chancellor Scholz and British Prime Minister Sunak, heads of state and government leaders from various countries were expected to go to Normandy to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the American, British, and Canadian forces’ landing at Normandy beaches in June 1944, along with WWII veterans. The White House announced on the 30th that Biden would travel to Normandy and Paris from June 5th to 9th for his first state visit to France. Ukrainian President Zelensky would also be invited to attend the commemoration. French President Macron intended to use this ceremony to demonstrate support for Ukraine.

During World War II, the Soviet Union allied with Britain and the United States to fight Nazi Germany. The Soviet Union suffered the most casualties in the war, with an estimated 20 million people killed. Russia took pride in its role in helping to win WWII, so the snub of Russia at the 80th anniversary of the Normandy landings would be seen as a condemnation of Moscow.