Staff Reports
France recently stirred up some tension among its Western allies by extending an invitation to Russia to join the 80th-anniversary celebrations of the D-Day landings. Some allies expressed dismay at the invitation, questioning the protocol issues and the symbolism of including Russia in the event.
While France defended its decision, stating that it has a historical precedent of inviting countries whose troops participated in the Normandy landings, critics pointed out that Russian troops were not involved in D-Day. This move led to concerns among some NATO allies about the implications of engaging with Russia, especially amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
#ltCDATAConservatismgt France Invites Russia to D-Day Anniversary Events and Allies Are Naturally Upset https://t.co/dcXnUJnJmB pic.twitter.com/ti2pf32LbQ
— AntiCorporatism.com (@CorporateState) May 18, 2024
Some conservative voices argue that including Russia in the commemoration of D-Day could be seen as a form of political revisionism, especially considering Russia’s controversial actions in recent years. They suggest that Western leaders should prioritize standing in solidarity with Ukraine and not downplay Russia’s aggression.
France’s shifting stance towards Russia, from initially supporting a strong stance against Russian actions in Ukraine to engaging more diplomatically with Moscow, has raised eyebrows among some allies. Critics question whether France’s diplomatic outreach to Russia aligns with the interests of NATO and its commitment to supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression.
While some allies may not see the D-Day anniversary invitation as a critical issue, others believe it reflects broader concerns about maintaining a united front against Russian aggression. As France navigates its relationship with Russia, it will be important for Western allies to ensure that their actions and engagements are consistent with their shared values and commitments to international security and democracy.
