Washington DC - President Joe Biden assured Ukraine of more US support as Russian attacks on power grids continues, leaving many in the southern Odessa region without electricity.

Biden spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Sunday to "underscore ongoing US support for Ukraine's defense as Russia continues its assaults on Ukraine’s critical infrastructure," the White House said in a statement.

The US would also continue to provide Ukraine with security, economic, and humanitarian assistance, Biden reportedly told Zelensky.

Holding Russia "accountable for its war crimes and atrocities, and imposing costs on Russia for its aggression," was also a priority, the White House said.

Joke of the Day Joke of the Day for April 17, 2024: Get your funny on

Zelensky praised the "unprecedented defense and financial assistance" given by the US.

"It helps not only to succeed on the battlefield, but also to maintain the stability of our nation's economy," Zelensky said in his nightly address.

Meanwhile, on the ground, Ukraine claimed responsibility on Sunday for a series of weekend missile attacks on command points and warehouses in Russian-occupied territory.

The statement from the country's top military officials did not name specific targets, but noted the targets included dormitories and were carried out with artillery and missiles.

Russian forces launched their own salvo of attacks on Sunday, Ukraine's military said.

Israel-Gaza War Iran sent clear message to US on Middle East escalation, top official says

"There is still the danger that the enemy will launch attacks with rockets and drones targeting our energy infrastructure and the entire area of Ukraine."

As winter sets in, the battle fronts in Ukraine have been largely static for several weeks, aside from heavy fighting at various flash points, primarily with artillery, missiles, and drones.

The Ukrainian Armed Forces would resume their counteroffensive against Russian troops if the weather is favorable, Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov said.

Due to targeted Russian attacks on Ukraine's power grid, the situation in the port city of Odessa as well as in other regions is difficult, according to Zelensky.

"We are doing everything to restore light in Odessa," Zelensky said Sunday evening.

Russian troops attacked Odessa Saturday night with a wave of Iranian combat drones, causing a power outage in the city and throughout the surrounding area.

The regional power utility said repairs could take up to two months.