German Chancellor Angela Merkel says major powers involved in trying to resolve the conflict in Ukraine are working on setting up a possible meeting in Kazakhstan, but it remains unclear whether it will come together.  Merkel made her comments after meeting with Ukraine’s Prime Minister today.

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko said last month that he planned to meet January 15th  in Astana, the Kazakh capital, with Merkel and the presidents of Russia and France. But, German and other officials haven’t confirmed that plan.

Merkel said today that the four countries’ foreign ministers are working on a “possible meeting in Astana” but more talks are needed before it is clear whether it will happen. She didn’t give a date and cautioned that if it does go ahead, it won’t resolve the crisis overnight.
(The Associated Press)