German sees no optimism on Ukraine after talks in Moscow, Kiev

MOSCOW/KIEV (Reuters) - Germany's foreign minister saw "no reason for optimism" after talks on Tuesday in Moscow and Kiev on the Ukraine conflict that has claimed more than 4,000 lives and caused a deep rift between Russia and the West.

Violence is rising again despite more than two months of ceasefire. Kiev and the West say Russia is sending soldiers and weapons to help pro-Russian rebels, a charge the Kremlin denies.