Ukraine may use weapons delivered by Western countries, including Germany, to defend itself against Russian attacks in the border region surrounding Kharkiv, a German government spokesperson said on Friday.

"In recent weeks, Russia has prepared, coordinated and carried out attacks, particularly in the Kharkiv area, from positions in the immediately adjacent Russian border region. We are jointly convinced that Ukraine has the right under international law to defend itself against these attacks," according to a statement by the spokesperson, Steffen Hebestreit.

"To this end, it can use the weapons supplied for this purpose in accordance with its international legal obligations, including those supplied by us," he added.

(With input from agencies)