US President Joe Biden delivered a powerful speech in Normandy, France, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings and drawing parallels between Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and World War Two.
Standing near the graves of 9,388 US military members who participated in the D-Day landings, President Biden warned of the threat to democracies worldwide and the importance of standing up to autocrats. He praised the bravery of the Ukrainian people and vowed that the US would not abandon its support for Kyiv.
The ceremony was attended by world leaders including French President Emmanuel Macron, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and King Charles III. President Biden highlighted the sacrifices made by the “noble band of brothers” who fought in World War Two, emphasizing the importance of freedom and democracy.
The president also took a direct swipe at Russian President Vladimir Putin, calling him a “tyrant” and condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. He urged Western leaders to unite against anti-democratic forces and emphasized the value of enduring partnerships between democracies.
President Biden’s speech comes at a time of increasing isolationism in parts of the Republican Party, with some members questioning the provision of military aid to Ukraine. The president has blamed delays in aid approval for Ukraine’s battlefield losses.
Overall, President Biden’s speech in Normandy served as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made in the fight for freedom and democracy, and the ongoing importance of standing up to tyranny and oppression.
