CRI听力:Ukrainian President to Meet Russian, French, German Leaders

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has announced plans to meet with the leaders of Russia, France and Germany in the Kazakh capital Astana this coming month.

Poroshenko says the meeting will be a big step to helping restore peace in eastern Ukraine.

"Regarding Astana, there is a preliminary agreement for the meeting on the highest level with the participation of Chancellor of Germany Angela Merkel, President of Russia Vladimir Putin, President of France Francois Hollande. The meeting is likely to take place on January 15. And as I have already said, foreign ministers must create agenda and drafts of decisions."

Poroshenko says he's also spoken with U.S. President Barack Obama about the possibility of him joining the talks.

The Chinese government is applauding the plans for a meeting.

Chinese Foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying

"China welcomes and supports the efforts of Russian, German, French and Ukrainian leaders, to deal with the Ukraine situation in political means. We hope parties can reach a comprehensive, balanced and lasting solution soon, based on their respective interests and concerns. This will promote peace, security, stability and development in Ukraine and the whole region."

Ukraine had been engaged in talks with the rebel groups, Russia and European officials in a bid to bring the conflict in eastern Ukraine to an end.

However, those talks were abruptly cut off.