Merkel says sanctions against Russia can still be toughened

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Wednesday she would not hesitate to impose economic sanctions on Russia if the situation in Ukraine were further destabilised, urging President Vladimir Putin to help by using his influence on pro-Russian separatists, Reuters reports.

"It is decisive that President Putin use his influence to get the separatists to refrain from violence and intimidation, hand over their weapons and stop the occupations," Reuters quotes her as saying in parliament. "If this doesn't happen ... we won't shrink from imposing further sanctions."