Ukrainians have grown skeptical about Russian promises in peace talks. Russian negotiators said their troops would scale back fighting around the capital, Kyiv. But, on Wednesday, civilians said they came under fire again.

Authorities in the northern city of Chernihiv said Russian forces attacked throughout the night. The troops destroyed homes, shops, and a market.

The mayor of Kyiv said residents there, too, came under attack. Vitali Klitschko said they heard explosions all night.

A spokesperson for the Russian Defense Ministry said the troops are "regrouping." Igor Konashenkov said they want to complete the "liberation" of the eastern region of Donbas.

Russian commanders did not promise to pull back from their assault on cities in southern Ukraine. A rocket hit a government building in the port city of Mykolaiv. At least 12 people were killed.

Ukrainian officials are hoping to see the outlines of a ceasefire agreement within days. Their country would remain "neutral." The US, the UK, France, Turkey, Poland, and China would guarantee Ukraine's security.