US President Joe Biden embarked on a state visit to France on Wednesday, marking 80 years since the World War II D-Day landings, amid ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Joined by French President Emmanuel Macron, British King Charles III, and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Biden will honor the Allied troops who sacrificed their lives in the June 6, 1944 landings to liberate Europe from Nazi occupation.
For King Charles, this visit marks his first overseas trip since his cancer diagnosis. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Italian President Sergio Mattarella will also attend, symbolizing international post-World War II reconciliation.
Biden aims to position the United States as a defender of democracy and international alliances during his visit, contrasting his leadership with that of his predecessor, Donald Trump. However, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine looms large, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also in attendance and scheduled to meet with Biden.
Russia has not been invited, reflecting tensions over its invasion of Ukraine. The event will be graced by surviving veterans, with around 200 expected to attend.
The commemorations began with a ceremony in Brittany, where French paratroopers in the British Special Air Service (SAS) were honored for their sacrifices. Macron paid tribute to Emile Bouetard, the first French casualty of the D-Day landings.
Biden, Macron, and Zelensky’s meeting is crucial given the situation in Ukraine, with the US reaffirming its support for the country. Macron has signaled openness to sending troops to Ukraine, and there have been discussions about increasing Western assistance.
The ceremonies will culminate on Thursday with national ceremonies at Normandy’s war cemeteries and an international ceremony at Omaha Beach. Biden will deliver a speech at Pointe du Hoc on Friday, emphasizing the defense of freedom and democracy.
The trip continues with a state visit to France, providing an opportunity for Biden and Macron to address peace efforts in Ukraine and Gaza before Biden departs on Sunday.
