Biden calls on allies to stand up to Putin in Ukraine during D-Day tribute in Normandy
President Biden recently commemorated the 80th anniversary of D-Day in Normandy, France, using the occasion to urge allies to stand against Russian President Vladimir Putin’s actions in Ukraine.
During a ceremony near the beaches of Normandy, Biden reflected on the significance of June 6, 1944, when 73,000 Americans joined Allied forces in the pivotal mission known as D-Day, a momentous turning point in World War II.
“The evil of Hitler’s Third Reich devastated the world,” Biden remarked. “Nazi Germany subjugated free nations through force, lies, and twisted ideologies of racial superiority. Millions of lives were lost, and democracies were under threat. The battle between freedom and tyranny unfolded on this very coast of Normandy.”
Connecting the historical event to current conflicts, Biden highlighted the ongoing fighting in Ukraine following Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022.
After World War II, the United States played a key role in establishing the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), which Biden praised as the “greatest military alliance in history,” expanding over time to encompass 32 countries, including the recent additions of Finland and Sweden.
“America’s investment in alliances and the formation of new partnerships has been crucial to our strength and global influence,” Biden emphasized. “Isolationism was not the solution then, and it is not now. The struggle between dictatorship and freedom continues to this day.”
Pointing out the conflict in Ukraine, Biden condemned the invasion by a “tyrant bent on domination,” referring to Putin without naming him directly. He commended the Ukrainian people for their courage and resilience in the face of adversity.
Biden also highlighted the sacrifices made in the conflict, with 350,000 Russian troops reported as killed or wounded, and nearly 1 million people leaving Russia due to the situation. In contrast, the US, NATO, and a coalition of more than 50 nations stand in solidarity with Ukraine, determined not to falter in the face of aggression.
“We cannot afford to ignore the plight of Ukraine. Surrendering to bullies and dictators is not an option,” Biden warned. “The world is watching closely, and the repercussions of inaction would extend far beyond Ukraine’s borders, threatening the stability of all of Europe.”
The ceremony in Normandy served as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who fought for freedom and democracy, underscoring the ongoing battle against authoritarian regimes and the importance of solidarity among allies in the face of adversity.
