Biden heads to France for D-Day anniversary, democracy speech

President Joe Biden flew to France on Tuesday to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day on a trip designed to underscore his commitment to US allies in Europe and contrast his vision of democracy with his 2024 political opponent Donald Trump.

Biden will spend five days in France and attend D-Day celebrations in Normandy, where US and allied forces stormed French beaches in an attack that helped defeat Nazi Germany in World War II, as well as deliver a high-profile speech and hold a formal state visit with President Emmanuel Macron.

While in Normandy Biden will sit down for talks with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky about the war effort to repel Russian invaders, White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters aboard the presidential flight to Paris.

Biden's remarks in Normandy, both on Thursday at the formal 80th anniversary ceremony and on Friday at the famed Pointe du Hoc cliffs, will center around the dangers of isolationism and the need to stand up to dictators, Sullivan said.

Biden will draw a connection from World War Two through the Cold War and creation of the NATO alliance to today, "where we face once again war in Europe, where NATO has rallied to defend freedom and sovereignty."

In what promises to be an emotional moment, Biden will meet the aged veterans who participated in the D-Day invasion.

White House national security spokesperson John Kirby said the potential use of some $300 billion in frozen Russian assets to aid Ukraine would be discussed by Biden and Macron during the visit.

Reuters