Russia will not be invited to events marking the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings next week given its war of aggression against Ukraine, the French Presidency said on May 30. Organizers had said in April that President Vladimir Putin would not be invited but that some Russian representatives would be welcome in recognition of the country's sacrifices during World War II. The commemorations will be attended by dozens of heads of state and government, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and U.S. President Joe Biden. In a briefing with reporters, a French Presidency official confirmed Russia's absence and said that Zelenskiy had been invited given his country's "just fight" in the war against Russia.
Editors' Picks
RFE/RL has been declared an "undesirable organization" by the Russian government.
If you are in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine and hold a Russian passport or are a stateless person residing permanently in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine, please note that you could face fines or imprisonment for sharing, liking, commenting on, or saving our content, or for contacting us.
To find out more, click here.