Merkel sees 'glimmer of hope' in Ukraine, but Russia sanctions remain

BERLIN (Reuters) - German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Thursday she saw a "glimmer of hope" for a political solution to the Ukraine crisis, but insisted sanctions against Russia could be rolled back only once the Minsk peace plan was fully implemented.

The European Union and United States have imposed sanctions against Russia because of its annexation of Crimea and its support for separatist rebels in Ukraine's eastern regions.