Ukrainian officials are closely watching Russian movements, following promises to scale back attacks on the capital, Kyiv.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy updated US President Joe Biden on the fighting and, once again, asked for help.

White House officials say Zelenskyy also updated the US leader on ceasefire talks.

Biden promised another 500 million dollars in aid and more money to help Ukraine's military.

Ukrainian negotiators say they'll be back to the table on Friday.

As diplomatic efforts continue, so does the violence. Officials in the northern city of Chernihiv say Russian forces attacked all night long.

The troops destroyed homes, shops and a market. Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister Olha Stefanishyna says there have also been fresh air attacks on the capital.

The deputy prime minister said, "We do not trust Russia's statements and promises. The communication brought yesterday by Russian side following the negotiation is an element to give some floor of army to regroup."

Russian Defence Ministry officials say their focus is shifting to key fronts.

They want to complete what they call the "liberation" of the eastern region of Donbas, long held by Russian-backed forces.

Major General Igor Konashenkov, spokesperson for the Russian Defence Ministry, said, "High-precision air-launched missiles destroyed large fuel depots. The depots were supplying Ukrainian armored vehicles in the Donbas region."

US defense officials are tracking the movements from Washington. The officials say less than 20 percent of tactical groups near Kyiv have moved out, adding not one is headed to Russia.

Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby said, "If the Russians are serious about deescalating -- because that's their claim here -- then they should send them home. But they're not doing that, at least not yet."

Kirby said Russian contractor Wagner Group has deployed about 1,000 contractors into the Donbas region.