ISTANBUL

Russia early Thursday claimed that it thwarted Ukrainian drone attacks in the country’s Belgorod, Kursk and Voronezh regions.

In a statement, the Russian Defense Ministry said the country’s air defense systems downed a total of eight aircraft-type unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) over Belgorod during two separate drone attacks.

The ministry also reported downing a drone over the Kursk region while shooting down two others over the country’s Voronezh region.

Local officials reported that there were no casualties in their respective regions, while Ukrainian authorities have not yet commented on the claims.

Russia and Ukraine have traded accusations over airstrikes against each other that have intensified since late December.