New Delhi: External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar, in a telephonic conversation with his Ukrainian counterpart, Dmytro Kuleba, discussed advancing bilateral cooperation in the upcoming year and exchanging perspectives on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Jaishankar expressed the significance of his conversation with Kuleba, saying, "A useful conversation with FM @DmytroKuleba of Ukraine today. Discussed advancing our bilateral cooperation in the year ahead. Exchanged views on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine."

Subsequently, Kuleba provided further details on the conversation, saying, "My first call in 2024 was with Indian Foreign Minister Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar on Ukrainian-Indian relations. I informed my counterpart of Russia's recent escalation of terror and mass air attacks, which caused civilian suffering and destruction."

The Ukrainian Foreign Minister highlighted the severe impact of these actions, causing civilian suffering and destruction.

In response to the challenges, Kuleba outlined a vision for enhanced cooperation on the Peace Formula and proposed the idea of a Global Peace Summit of leaders.

"We discussed further cooperation on the Peace Formula. In this regard, I informed my counterpart of Ukraine's vision for the Global Peace Summit of leaders. We agreed to hold the first meeting of the India-Ukraine Inter-Governmental Commission since 2018 in the near future," read a handout from the Embassy of Ukraine in India.

Moreover, Kuleba disclosed plans to rejuvenate the India-Ukraine Inter-Governmental Commission, scheduling its first meeting since 2018 in the near future. "The rejuvenation of this primary mechanism of our bilateral ties will allow us to jointly move forward in a comprehensive manner," said the Ukrainian Foreign Minister.

India and Ukraine have witnessed a series of diplomatic engagements, with Jaishankar assuring Kuleba in a phone conversation back in August 2022 that the next consignment of Indian humanitarian assistance would reach Ukraine soon.

The assurance was reiterated in Jaishankar's tweet, where he stated, "Appreciated the conversation today with FM @DmytroKuleba of Ukraine. Discussed recent developments in the conflict and its continuing global repercussions. Assured that the next consignment of Indian humanitarian assistance will be reaching very soon."

In November 2022 too, Jaishankar had a meeting with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, during which they discussed the grain initiative and nuclear concerns amid the Russia-Ukraine war. Jaishankar tweeted about the meeting, saying, "Pleasure to meet FM @DmytroKuleba of Ukraine. Our discussions covered recent developments in the conflict, the grain initiative and nuclear concerns."

The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has not only raised humanitarian concerns but also global repercussions, prompting nations worldwide to engage in diplomatic efforts to address the escalating crisis.

Earlier this week, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Moscow will intensify attacks on military targets in Ukraine after an unprecedented attack over the weekend on the Russian city of Belgorod.

The attack left 24 people dead and killed over 100 in Belgorod on Saturday. It came after Moscow launched a large-scale attack on Ukrainian cities.