MOSCOW, December 3 (RIA Novosti) - Moscow welcomes the Ukrainian president's decision to attempt to improve relations with Russia, a Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman said on Wednesday.

Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko has ordered the setting up of a high-level group to improve ties with Russia in the face of the ongoing financial crisis. The group will be led by the National Security Council chief and will also include other security officials, cabinet members, and the head of Naftogaz, the national oil and gas company.

"Any realistic steps and measures aimed at developing and advancing Russian-Ukrainian ties should be welcomed," Andrei Nesterenko said, adding that Moscow would be "closely watching all practical actions by our Ukrainian partners."

He reiterated Moscow's mood for "constructive and pragmatic engagement" with Kiev.

Relations between the former Soviet republics have soured in recent years over a host of issues, including a bid by Ukraine's pro-Western government to join NATO, Russia's Black Sea Fleet base in the Ukrainian port of Sevastopol, and energy prices.

Ukraine also backed Georgia during its five-day conflict with Russia in August. Moscow has accused Kiev of supplying weapons to the conflict zone, but Ukraine has denied the allegations.

"We must do everything to make relations with Russia rational," the Ukrainian president said on Monday, describing the current state of affairs as "troublesome."

He also said that Ukraine suffered from a perception that it was the "smaller brother" in relations with Russia.