Russian authorities stated on Thursday morning that a person had been killed and three injured in Ukrainian attacks on the Russian border region of Belgorod.

The dead victim was killed inside a car, while a man and two women were injured, regional Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said.

Mr Gladkov added that buildings were also damaged in the attack.

The Russian defence ministry said air defences had shot down eight Ukrainian missiles on their approach to Belgorod.

It was not possible to verify the claims initially.

Initial images circulating on social media did not show whether the damage was caused by falling debris or the missiles managed to strike their targets.

Russia, which began an all-out war on Ukraine more than two years ago, had repeatedly been reporting Ukrainian attacks, particularly in the border region.

However, the number of victims and the extent of damage were much lower than those inflicted on the neighbouring country.

(dpa/NAN)