Zelenskyy: 'Russia has launched a new offensive in the Kharkiv region'

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a joint press conference with Slovakian President Zuzana Čaputová, who was in the country's capital, Kyiv, for official talks.

Responding to a question regarding the Russian army's launch of a new offensive in the Kharkiv region this morning, Zelenskyy said, "I believe all statements (regarding the attack) are absolutely accurate and fair. Russia has launched a new wave of counter-offensive in this direction (Kharkiv region)."

Noting that the Ukrainian army is responding to Russian troops with intense artillery fire, Zelenskyy stated, "Currently, intense fighting is ongoing in this direction."

Zelenskyy indicated that Ukrainian commanders were prepared for a possible attack in this region.

ADDITIONAL TROOPS DEPLOYED TO KHARKIV REGION

A statement regarding the latest situation in the Kharkiv region was made on the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense's social media account.

The statement noted that the Russian army's attacks on Kharkiv had been repelled and that reserve units had been deployed to strengthen the region's defense.

Kharkiv Regional Military Administration Head Oleh Syniehubov also stated in a post on his social media account that intense clashes were taking place along the borders of the Kharkiv region.

Noting that Russian forces launched a new offensive toward the northern part of the Kharkiv region this morning, Syniehubov reported that the Ukrainian army was responding to the attacks in question.

Syniehubov also stated that the evacuation of civilians in the region is continuing.