China's state-run media has reported that President Xi Jinping held telephone talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Wednesday.

Broadcaster CCTV reported the Xi-Zelenskyy talks as a breaking story in its main news program that started at 7 p.m. local time.

It was their first telephone talks since Russia began its invasion of Ukraine in February last year.

CCTV quoted Xi as saying that with Ukraine, China will push forward cooperation between the countries.

He reportedly indicated plans to send a representative of the Chinese government to Ukraine and other relevant countries.

Zelenskyy is said to have replied that he hopes to cooperate with China to protect world peace and stability.

Zelenskyy tweeted later on Wednesday, "I had a long and meaningful phone call with President Xi Jinping."

He added, "I believe that this call, as well as the appointment of Ukraine's ambassador to China, will give a powerful impetus to the development of our bilateral relations."