It was not immediately clear how far Ukraine had advanced in the region, but pro-Kremlin military bloggers reported earlier that a powerful new offensive was underway.

"Around 9:00 Moscow time, in order to stop the advance of Russian troops towards Kursk, the enemy launched a counterattack. The operation to destroy the formations of the Ukrainian army continues," the Russian Defense Ministry said.

Ukraine used two tanks, a dozen armoured vehicles and a demolition unit in the new offensive, which targeted the village of Berdin, the ministry added.

Earlier, pro-Kremlin military bloggers reported that Kiev was staging a new offensive in the area and that its troops were pushing toward the district's Bolsheysoldatsky district.

Ukrainian officials offered limited information about the offensive.

"Russia is getting what it deserves," said Ukrainian presidential chief of staff Andriy Ermak.

Kiev seized dozens of villages in the Kursk region shortly after launching its offensive last year, but its advance stalled after Moscow brought in reinforcements, including thousands of North Korean soldiers. | BGNES