Russia not invited to D-Day 80th anniversary, French presidency says

Reuters ^ | May 30, 2024 | John Irish

[MinorityRepublican]

Russia will not be invited to events marking the 80th anniversary of the Second World War's D-Day landings next week given its war of aggression against Ukraine, the French presidency said on Thursday.

Organisers had said in April that President Vladimir Putin would not be invited to the events in France, but that some Russian representatives would be welcome in recognition of the country's war-time sacrifice.

Prior to France's announcement on Thursday two diplomatic sources told Reuters that the Ukraine war and unease among some allies about Moscow's presence had led Paris to reverse its initial thinking. The commemorations will be attended by dozens of heads of state and government, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and U.S. President Joe Biden. Briefing reporters ahead of next Thursday's anniversary, a French presidency official confirmed Russia's absence and that Zelenskiy had been invited given his country's "just fight" in the war against Russia.

[Mmogamer]

That’s quite concise.

[AnotherUnixGeek]

That seems petty. Russia’s historical contributions to WW2 should not be ignored because of current events. Well, it's not unreasonable - the Soviets did not take part in the D-Day invasion. I wouldn't expect the US to be invited to commemorations of the Battle of Stalingrad, either.

[Honorary Serb]

Without the efforts of Soviet Russia, Hitler would have won!

[Vesuvian]

But where is Poland and Canada?

[mrmeyer]

He looks like a bum.

[Nextrush]

Joe better hit the showers...without his daughter.

[BlackbirdSST]

He’s at war. His clothes are appropriate.

What a crock!