Ukrainian forces were prepared for Russia's offensive in Kharkiv region - Zelenskyy

This was stated by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a briefing in Kyiv with Slovak leader Zuzana Caputova, Suspilne reports.

"Ukraine met them there with our troops, brigades and artillery. It is important that they can increase and pull up more forces in this direction, but our military, our command knew about this and calculated their forces to meet the enemy with fire. Now there is a fierce battle in this direction, we met them with fire," Zelenskyy said.

Ukraine's Defense Ministry noted that at about 5 am, Russian troops attempted to break through the defense line under the cover of armored vehicles. 

"During this day, Russian enemy carried out air strikes in the Vovchansk direction using guided aerial bombs. As night fell, the Russian occupiers increased fire pressure on the front line of our defense with the support of artillery," the Ministry wrote.

As of 1:00 pm, these attacks have been repelled, and fighting of varying intensity continues.  Reserve units have been deployed to strengthen defence in this area of the frontline. The Armed Forces of Ukraine continue to hold back the Russia's offensive.

Earlier in the day, the head of the Kharkiv Regional State Administration, Oleh Syniehubov, reported that Russia attacked Vovchansk in Kharkiv region.

“The enemy strikes mostly the city of Vovchansk. KAB, MLRS and artillery attacks continued throughout the night. There were unsuccessful attempts by the subversive group to break through the border,” the statement said.

According to Syniehubov, Ukrainian defenders are holding their ground and “have not lost a single meter.”

“The enemy group does not pose a threat to Kharkiv, its forces are only enough for provocations in the northern direction. All authorities are working, on the ground and fulfilling their duties,” added the head of the Regional Military Administration.

He emphasized that civilians in border settlements should stay in shelters, as the Russian aggressors do not care whether they strike military infrastructure or unarmed civilians.

• Military observer Denys Popovych notes Russia has amassed 30,000-35,000 troops in the Kharkiv region.