Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba Discusses Peace Formula Amidst Russia-Ukraine Conflict in India

Defense News ,India :-  India and Ukraine recently engaged in discussions concerning a 'Peace Formula' aimed at addressing the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Dmytro Kuleba, the Foreign Minister of Ukraine, who visited India for a two-day official visit, highlighted the need for new projects to invigorate India-Ukraine relations amidst the backdrop of what he described as a "full-scale war" initiated by Russia.

During his visit, Kuleba held extensive discussions with S. Jaishankar, India's External Affairs Minister, covering various aspects of bilateral relations, regional situations, and global security concerns. The focus was particularly on the Peace Formula and strategies for its implementation. Notably, the discussions involved key officials from both sides, including Secretary (West) Pavan Kapoor and J.P. Singh, Joint Secretary of the External Affairs Minister’s Office.

In his prior remarks to The Hindu, Kuleba emphasized the importance of India playing a more proactive role in the forthcoming peace process, notably in Switzerland. India's engagement in the crisis has been ongoing, with interactions at different levels maintained with Ukraine, Russia, and other stakeholders. This included recent communications between National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Andriy Yermak, as well as Prime Minister Narendra Modi's conversations with Presidents Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The mention of the Peace Formula assumes significance amidst the anticipation of a 'Global Peace Summit' scheduled to convene in Switzerland. Kuleba had urged India to participate alongside other major nations. However, prospects for the summit faced skepticism following Russia's reluctance to engage in the proposed talks. Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova dismissed the possibility of Moscow's involvement, criticizing Zelenskyy's proposed formula as impractical.

Zelenskyy had previously presented a 10-point peace plan during the G-20 summit in Bali, which was swiftly rejected by Russia. The plan's insistence on the complete withdrawal of Russian forces from the 1991 borders failed to address Russian concerns. The Swiss-backed peace process is seen as a potential avenue for bridging the gap between the two opposing positions, although specific details regarding the timing of the event remain undisclosed.

The discussions between India and Ukraine also encompassed broader bilateral cooperation, spanning trade, investment, science and technology, defense, agriculture, health, culture, and education. Both sides expressed a commitment to enhance dialogue and strengthen relations, aiming to restore cooperation to pre-conflict levels and explore new avenues for collaboration.

Kuleba's visit, which coincided with engagements at the Ukrainian-Indian intergovernmental commission level, signifies a step towards revitalizing bilateral ties. His call for "freedom and independence" in a video message preceding the visit, invoking Mahatma Gandhi's principles, underscores Ukraine's determination to resist Moscow's aggression.

India and Ukraine's discussions on the Peace Formula reflect a concerted effort to address the ongoing conflict through diplomatic means. While challenges persist, both countries are committed to fostering constructive dialogue and deepening their partnership across various sectors, with the ultimate aim of achieving peace and stability in the region.