The United States is seeking Asian support for new Western sanctions on Russia announced Tuesday, to increase international pressure against the latter's stance in the Ukraine crisis, according to a State Department official on Wednesday.

The announcement comes a day after the European Union (EU) and the U.S. announced the adoption of new sanctions on Russia's energy, defense and banking sectors, all intended to exert pressure on Russia's already struggling economy.

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According to a top U.S. envoy, he has already met with government officials in China, Singapore and South Korea and is expected to hold similar discussions with counterparts in Japan on Thursday and Friday.

He said the talks focused on what has been done so far, answering questions and seeking support.

While he did not reveal the specifics of the discussions, the envoy said the talks ran smoothly and involved a "good and open exchange of views."

He hoped that the Asian nations would join them in putting more pressure on Russia.

The EU and the U.S. first imposed sanctions on Russia in March after it annexed Crimea and destabilized the Ukraine region. Shortly after, additional sanctions were levied after the U.S. found evidence that Moscow was supplying arms to pro-Russia separatists.

Now, tensions are higher than ever after Malaysian Airline flight MH17 was downed in eastern Ukraine. Based on U.S. intelligence, the plane was shot down by a missile fired by pro-Russia militia, killing all 298 aboard the flight.

However, gaining Asian support may not be as easy as the U.S. may think.

A South Korean Foreign Ministry spokeswoman told media that while Seoul condemns Russia for annexing Crimea and respects Ukraine sovereignty, it has not made any commitments with regard to the sanctions.

In Japan, Yoshihide Suga, a senior government spokesman, said that Tokyo has already decided to impose limited sanctions against Russia and is working closely with the other G-7 nations.

Meanwhile, Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott said on Wednesday it was unlikely the country would support the additional sanctions on Russia, adding that their main focus now is to bring home the remains of 27 citizens who died in the MH17 crash.

TagsRussia, Ukraine, MH17, US, Russian sanctions, European Union, EU, Crimea, Malaysia Airline MH17, Yoshihide Suga, Tony Abbott, MH17 crash victims, asian, Asia