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.
Russia Not Invited To D-Day 80th Anniversary, French Presidency Says
British veterans observe two minutes of silence at an event to commemorate the 75th anniversary of D-Day in Alrewas, Staffordshire, Britain, in 2019.