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France is preparing to host world leaders, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, to mark the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy. Russia has not been invited to the June 6 commemorations due to its ongoing war in Ukraine. The ceremonies honor soldiers who fought and died in the 1944 Allied landings that contributed to the defeat of Nazi Germany. Over the years, the gatherings have taken on a diplomatic dimension with heads of state coming together to address burning geopolitical issues. French President Emmanuel Macron is considering sending military instructors from his country to Ukraine, despite opposition from other NATO countries and strong criticism from Moscow. U.S. President Joe Biden is expected to deliver a speech about defending democracy in Europe during the ceremonies. The 80th anniversary will likely be the last 10-year anniversary at which veterans who fought and survived will be present on the beaches where thousands of their counterparts died.
