Russia must influence separatists to end Ukraine crisis, says Merkel

German Chancellor Angela Merkel holds a speech during a session at the lower house of parliament Bundestag in Berlin, December 18, 2014. REUTERS/Hannibal Hanschke

BERLIN (Reuters) - German Chancellor Angela Merkel appealed to the Russian government on Sunday to use its influence on separatists in eastern Ukraine to implement a ceasefire plan agreed in Minsk in September aimed at ending the conflict.

Planned talks involving Russia, Ukraine and the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe to further the ceasefire arrangements have not yet taken place.