According to the organizer, Putin will not be invited to the celebrations because of “aggression against Ukraine”.
“Given the circumstances (of the Russian attack on Ukraine), President Putin will not be invited,” the Liberation Mission said in a statement. “Nevertheless, Russia will be called upon to honor the importance of the dedication and sacrifice of the Soviet people and its contribution to victory in 1945.” – added.
No details were given on the extent to which Russia might be represented during the celebrations in Normandy.
Earlier on Tuesday, Radio Europe1, citing sources close to French President Emmanuel Macron, reported that Russia was to be invited to a ceremony commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Allied landings in Normandy during World War II. The radio station was critical of the decision.
The Allied landings in Normandy contributed to the defeat of Nazi Germany during World War II. June 6 marks the 80th anniversary of the event, which went down in history as D-Day.
The Normandy action is commemorated each year with ceremonies attended by officers from around the world.
Russian dictator Vladimir Putin, under whose rule the Kremlin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, participated in the 70th anniversary of D-Day in 2014. However, as AFP writes, he was not invited in 2019. , the situation worsened in eastern Ukraine.
Troops of the Soviet Union were not part of the Allied forces and did not participate in the Normandy landings.