KYIV — Ukraine says it has repelled a Russian armored attack in the north-eastern Kharkiv region, after Moscow's forces launched an incursion across the border and sought to break through defensive lines.

Kharkiv regional head Oleh Syniehubov said Russian reconnaissance groups had tried to penetrate the border, adding that "not a single meter has been lost".

The local head in Vovchansk said the town had come under heavy attack from the early hours of Friday and civilians were being evacuated.

Russian forces are said to be preparing a summer offensive in Ukraine in the coming weeks, possibly even seeking to capture the regional capital Kharkiv. But Ukrainian military figures are adamant that Russia does not have the resources to do so.

Russia's border actions were predictable, said the head of Ukraine's center for countering disinformation, Andri Kovalenko.

Russia had the resources to aggravate the situation in border areas but not the ability to capture Ukraine's second city, he said.

Ukraine's defense ministry said Russian air strikes had struck Vovchansk "using guided aerial bombs" with the support of artillery.

"At approximately 05:00, there was an attempt by the enemy to break through our defensive line under the cover of armored vehicles. As of now, these attacks have been repulsed, fighting of varying intensity continues," the ministry said. — BBC