London: Britain and France pledged on Saturday to find a “just and lasting peace” in Ukraine. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron discussed during a phone call the latest developments in Ukraine, reiterating their unwavering support to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and to securing a just and lasting peace for the Ukrainian people, a Downing Street spokesperson said in a statement.

According to Qatar News Agency, they welcomed President Trump’s efforts to stop the killing in Ukraine and end the war, and discussed how to further work closely with President Trump and President Zelenskyy over the coming days, the spokesperson said. They agreed to stay in close contact, he added.

On Friday, President Donald Trump said he will be meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Aug. 15 in Alaska. The parties, including Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, were close to a ceasefire deal that could resolve the three-and-a-half-year conflict.