Macron and Biden to Address Ukraine and Middle East Issues Following D-Day Commemoration

President Emmanuel Macron is set to host Joe Biden next week for the US leader’s first state visit to France, following their attendance at the World War II D-Day commemorations. The visit, scheduled for June 8 in Paris, will come after the June 6 ceremony in Normandy marking 80 years since the D-Day landings. The White House confirmed that Biden will be in France from June 5 to June 9.

The D-Day commemorations are expected to draw about a million people, including King Charles III and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. With Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine, Biden and Macron are anticipated to discuss further Western support for Kyiv during the ceremonies and the subsequent state visit.

The high-profile events will not only focus on historical remembrance but also provide both leaders with an opportunity to strengthen their image with voters. Macron, facing a challenge from the far right in the upcoming European Parliament elections on June 9, will use this platform to connect with the French electorate. Meanwhile, Biden, who is campaigning for re-election against Donald Trump, aims to demonstrate his leadership on the global stage.

On June 6, Biden will participate in ceremonies commemorating the Allied landings in Normandy, honoring the brave Americans who landed on Utah and Omaha beaches in 1944. The following day, he will deliver a speech at Pointe du Hoc, reflecting on the importance of defending freedom and democracy.

The state visit on June 8 will highlight the enduring relationship between the United States and France, focusing on shared democratic values, economic ties, and defense cooperation. Discussions between the two leaders will cover a range of global challenges, including the Gaza conflict and support for Ukraine.

While Macron advocates for Ukraine’s ability to neutralize Russian military bases, the United States has been cautious about permitting such actions to avoid escalating tensions with Moscow. Ukraine’s President Zelensky is expected to seek more assistance from Western leaders, including permission to use longer-range weapons against Russia.

To ensure security during the D-Day ceremonies, France will deploy an “exceptional force” of 43,000 police, gendarmes, firefighters, and troops. Nearly a million people are expected to attend the various ceremonies organized over three days in Brittany and Normandy.

Representatives of Russia have been invited to the D-Day celebrations, although President Vladimir Putin will not be in attendance. Putin’s actions in Ukraine have led to his isolation in the West, making his presence at such events controversial.

Overall, the upcoming visit and commemorations will serve as a platform for Macron and Biden to address pressing global issues, strengthen diplomatic ties, and honor the sacrifices made during World War II.