“We will stand with Ukraine, we will not turn our back on it”

On August 26, 1944, General Charles de Gaulle He descended from the Champs-Élysées from the Arc de Triomphe after the liberation of Paris from the Nazi yoke. He did it on foot, while he was applauded by the public. That was 80 years ago, when the Allies landed on June 6. Today it was Joe Biden who walked the mythical path accompanied by French President Emmanuel Macron.

This symbol is not a coincidence. Both leaders, despite their political differences, have projected an image of unity in the face of Russian aggression in Ukraine, one of the most difficult moments Europe is experiencing. Cold War

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“The fact that we are together today says a lot about what unites us,” he said, “a bond in service to the freedom and independence of the nation.” Emmanuel Macron in a joint appearance.

“We don’t know what will happen Putin manages to win, it will not stop in Ukraine, it goes beyond Ukraine, The whole of Europe would be in danger And USA We will not allow this,” he said Joe Biden,

Biden is in the midst of an election campaign ahead of the November presidential election, pitting him against Donald Trump. Macron also has an electoral appointment tomorrow: the European elections, in which his party’s candidate, Valerie Hair, is in second place behind the far-right candidate, Jordan Bardella.

Saturday’s meeting is the last leg of a series of several days in which Joe Biden and Emmanuel Macron have met with Volodymyr Zelensky. They also attended events commemorating the Normandy landings. In his speech on June 6, D-Day, Biden already made it clear that he stands with Europe in support of Kiev. He called Vladimir Putin a tyrant and dictator and on Friday announced an additional $225 million in aid for Ukraine.

Macron will send fighter jets and train Ukrainian pilots. In addition, as he revealed this Saturday, he works in a coalition to send trainers to the region.

“France has been our first ally, and this week we have shown that in significant ways,” Biden said in a brief statement that asked no questions. “Both countries will stand with Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression. We will not turn our back on it,” the American added.

in connection with the conflict in Middle Easthas not had much effect, but Macron has indicated that the two countries are united: they demand the release of the hostages and a ceasefire. Israel announced this Saturday the release of four hostages kidnapped by Hamas. “We will not stop working until everyone returns home and there is a ceasefire,” he said.

This is Biden’s first visit to France and the longest trip abroad by a US president. He arrived last Wednesday to attend events commemorating the Normandy landings and will leave this Sunday after tonight’s gala dinner at the Elysee.