Russia but not Putin invited to French D-Day anniversary, say organisers

Alpha jets, part of the Patrouille Acrobatique de France, leave trails of smoke in the colors of the French flag while dancers and children perform on June 6, 2014 in Ouistreham, Normandy, during the ceremonies of the D-Day commemorations marking the 70th anniversary of the World War II Allied landings in Normandy. © Ludovic Marin, AFP

Russia but not President Vladimir Putin will be invited to the French ceremony in June to mark 80 years since the D-Day landings during World War II, organisers said Tuesday.

"In view of the circumstances, President Putin will not be invited," the Liberation Mission organising committee said, referring to Russia's "war of aggression" in Ukraine.

"Russia will however be invited... to honour the importance of the commitment and sacrifices of the Soviet peoples, as well as its contribution to the 1945 victory."

(AFP)