The leaders of USA, France, Germany and Britainwho met earlier today in Berlin, on the occasion of Biden’s visit, “reaffirmed their determination to support Ukraine in its war against the aggressor Russia, for a just and lasting peace, while calling for an immediate ceasefire in Middle East and return of the hostages.

In a joint statement released after the quadrilateral meeting in Berlin, Joe Biden, Emmanuel Macron, Olaf Scholz and Keir Starmer pledge to “continue to support Ukraine in its efforts to secure a just and lasting peace, based on international law, including the United Nations Charter, and respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

In the same communiqué, the four leaders call for an end to the war in Gaza, following the death of Hamas leader Yahya Shinwar. As noted, the fallout from Sinwar’s death preoccupied the quadrilateral meeting, with participants stressing the “immediate need” to return hostages to their families, end the war in Gaza and ensure that humanitarian aid reaches civilians.