President Biden arrived in Paris this morning to commence a five-day state visit hosted by President Emmanuel Macron, starting with the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of D-Day, which took place on June 6th, 1944. This historic event marked the joint efforts of soldiers from the U.S., France, Britain, and Canada who stormed the beaches of Normandy, signaling the beginning of the end of Hitler's Nazi regime.
Today, various events are scheduled across England and France, with King Charles set to deliver a royal address shortly. President Biden's visit holds significant diplomatic importance as he engages in crucial discussions with world leaders to bolster the transatlantic alliance amidst ongoing conflicts.
During his time in France, President Biden will meet with President Zelensky to address the situation in Ukraine, including the provision of American-made weapons for Ukrainian defense efforts. This move, authorized by Biden, aims to support Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression, with National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan emphasizing the necessity of such actions.
Upon his return to Paris, President Biden will engage in further talks with President Macron on enhancing support for Ukraine, securing additional funding from European defense budgets, and accessing frozen Russian assets on the continent. These discussions are expected to yield key outcomes ahead of the upcoming G7 summit.
Despite his focus on international affairs, President Biden faces challenges domestically, with voter approval ratings reflecting dissatisfaction with his handling of foreign policy issues. A recent survey conducted by the New York Times and Siena revealed that only 28% of voters approve of his approach.
In Paris, pressure mounts on President Biden and his allies to address conflicts in the Middle East and Europe, underscoring the urgency of reaching resolutions to these complex geopolitical challenges.