During his visit to France, Biden declared the US's unwavering support for Ukraine.
On Saturday, Macron rolled out the red carpet for Biden in Paris with an impressive display of military honors. They both met Biden's wife Jill and Macron's wife Brigitte at the Paris Triumph Arch at the end of the famous Champs Elysees. The couple took a moment to lay a wreath and rekindle the Eternal Flame at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, in memory of the fallen.
Following a private talk at the Elysee Palace, the two presidents met the press. Biden reassured everyone, "The United States is unwaveringly with Ukraine. We're not leaving." Macron reciprocated, praising Biden as a "loyal partner who loves and respects Europeans." Rounding off his compliments, Macron added, "We've got a state banquet planned for tonight in honor of your visit, Joe."
Biden jetting into France on Wednesday, his trip to the French capital, Paris, marked the beginning of his bilateral outing. His itinerary includes a visit to a US soldier's cemetery in between Paris and Reims on Sunday.
In the past few days, before making it to Paris, Biden had participated in the 80th anniversary celebrations for the Allied landings in the Normandy region of northern France. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was also in France for the D-Day commemorations. Utilizing the opportunity, Zelensky once again advocated for continued assistance in Ukraine's struggle against Russia. Biden and Macron had a face-to-face meeting in Paris on Friday, where Biden announced an additional military assistance package of $225 million (around €206.4 million). Macron, on the other hand, declared his intention to set up a coalition to send Western military instructors to Ukraine.
The aim of Biden's state visit? To highlight the long-standing friendship between France and the United States. With the looming US elections, Biden is vying against his predecessor, former President Trump, who's been a vocal opponent of military aid for Ukraine.
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