The US today welcomed moves to broker talks between the Ukrainian government and the Russian separatists in the country.

"We've worked very closely with our key ally, Germany, on this matter, and we commend the Ukrainian government's efforts to hold roundtables on constitutional reform and national unity, facilitated by the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe including with Ukrainians from the eastern and southern regions of the country," White House press secretary Jay Carney told reporters at his daily news conference.

German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier was in Ukraine to push Kiev and pro-Moscow rebels to hold talks after the OSCE drew up a roadmap aimed at easing the crisis. The US calls on Russia to support this effort, Carney said in response to a question.