Russia Excluded from D-Day 80th Anniversary
Russia will not be invited to the 80th anniversary of the Second World War’s D-Day landings in France due to its war against Ukraine, the French presidency says. Dozens of world leaders, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Joe Biden, will attend the commemoration. France cited the ongoing conflict and past concerns among allies as reasons for excluding Russia.
Russia will not be invited to the 80th anniversary of the Second World War’s D-Day landings next week due to its ongoing war in Ukraine, the French presidency announced on Thursday.
Initially, organizers had stated in April that Russian President Vladimir Putin would not receive an invite, although some Russian representatives would be welcomed in recognition of the country's past war-time sacrifices.
Two diplomatic sources revealed that concerns about Moscow's presence led to Paris's decision to revoke the initial plan.
The commemorations will feature numerous heads of state and government, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Joe Biden.
Confirming Russia's exclusion, a French presidency official noted that Zelensky has been invited in light of Ukraine's 'just fight' against Russia.
Recent advances by Russia in eastern Ukraine and the war’s toll on Ukraine’s resources have increased tensions.
Previous D-Day ceremonies have seen Russian officials in attendance, including a significant gathering in 2014 that included then-leaders of France, Germany, and Ukraine.
However, current geopolitical dynamics have prevented Russia's participation this year, reflecting the continued strain between Russia and Western nations.
Initially, organizers had stated in April that Russian President Vladimir Putin would not receive an invite, although some Russian representatives would be welcomed in recognition of the country's past war-time sacrifices.
Two diplomatic sources revealed that concerns about Moscow's presence led to Paris's decision to revoke the initial plan.
The commemorations will feature numerous heads of state and government, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Joe Biden.
Confirming Russia's exclusion, a French presidency official noted that Zelensky has been invited in light of Ukraine's 'just fight' against Russia.
Recent advances by Russia in eastern Ukraine and the war’s toll on Ukraine’s resources have increased tensions.
Previous D-Day ceremonies have seen Russian officials in attendance, including a significant gathering in 2014 that included then-leaders of France, Germany, and Ukraine.
However, current geopolitical dynamics have prevented Russia's participation this year, reflecting the continued strain between Russia and Western nations.
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