"Many rebels backed by six tanks launched an assault against the airport on Friday which was heroically repelled by the soldiers," the press service for the military operation in eastern Ukraine said.
While pro-Russian separatists have held the city of Donetsk itself for months Ukrainian forces have dug in at the airport since a major battle there in May.
Although the fighting in eastern Ukraine has diminished since the truce agreement was signed by Kiev, Moscow and the rebels on September 5, there have been numerous reports of shelling around Donetsk airport.