MOSCOW — A top U.S. diplomat who met with her Russian counterparts over the conflict in Ukraine says the United States wants to help solidify a shaky cease-fire and support efforts to resolve political and humanitarian concerns in Ukraine's rebellious east.

U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Victoria Nuland also says there are no indications that the Ukrainian government aims to resume offensives against the separatists.

Nuland said Monday after meeting Russian Deputy Foreign Ministers Sergei Ryabkov and Grigory Karasin that her talks, along with last week's meeting between Secretary of State John Kerry's meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, allow for "a more direct channel on Ukraine issues with the Russian Federation."

Relations between Washington and Moscow have deteriorated over the crisis in Ukraine.