Russian forces are regrouping and shifting focus. Some Ukrainians are feeling relief, while others, especially in the east, are worried that the deadly fighting will soon get worse.

Russia has promised to scale back attacks on Kyiv. But people fleeing the capital say that's not their experience.

A city near the capital successfully pushed back the Russian advance.

People who live there say their liberation has left them feeling a "happiness beyond imagination."

Lilia Ristich, a resident of Irpin, said, "We were afraid to leave because they were shooting all the time, from the very first day. It was horrible when our house was hit. It was horrible."

Mariupol remains under siege.

Humanitarian officials have sent a convoy to the port city to allow the tens of thousands of people still trapped inside escape.

Russia has said it's opening the humanitarian corridor, with help from the UN and the Red Cross.

Yet, humanitarian groups are not immune from attacks. Satellite images show a warehouse with the Red Cross symbol damaged by air raids.

In areas controlled by Russian-backed separatists, residents are facing a difficult choice.

The governor of the Luhansk region in eastern Ukraine told NHK some citizens have been forced to fight with the Russians against Ukraine's military in order to escape death.

Luhansk region governor Serhiy Haidai said, "The shelling has hit homes and kindergartens, making it impossible to even retrieve bodies. A house was bombarded on Wednesday, injuring parents and children. I have photos, but it's better not to show you. A one-year-old baby girl was killed."

The future of Ukrainian sovereignty and the safety of its citizens will again be the focus of negotiation on Friday, when ceasefire talks continue. But the two sides could be facing an uphill battle.

Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin about the situation on Thursday.

Putin told him the conditions for a breakthrough have not yet been reached.