---
title: "Kh-59 Missile and 121 Drones: Russia Delivers Massive Night Strike on Ukraine"
description: "On the night of August 31, Russia struck Ukraine: a Kh-59 missile from the Black Sea and 121 strike drones. Air defense destroyed 96 UAVs, with hits recorded at 11 locations."
date: 2026-08-31T05:38:02.000Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/kh59-missile-and-121-drones-russia-delivers-massive-night-strike-on-ukraine
tags: [ukraine-war, russia-attack, kh-59-missile, shahed-drones, air-defense, black-sea, kyiv-alert-system, food-security]
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# Kh-59 Missile and 121 Drones: Russia Delivers Massive Night Strike on Ukraine

![Night rocket launch from a military launcher: fiery trail against a dark sky in the context of Russia's massive strike on Ukraine](https://xab.info/media/2026/08/31/raketa-h59-i-121-dron-rossiya-nanesla-nochnoy-udar-po-ukraine/raketa-h59-i-121-dron-rossiya-nanesla-nochnoy-udar-po-ukraine-1.webp)

## 🎯 Key Points

- On the night of August 31, Russia used a Kh-59 missile from the Black Sea and 121 strike drones against several directions in Ukraine
- By 08:00, air defense had destroyed 96 UAVs; hits were recorded at 11 locations and debris in 8 places
- Kyiv is preparing a differentiated alert system based on threat type and a review of the curfew
- The presidential adviser stated that Europe is capable of filling any potential food gaps

On the night of August 31, during the period from 18:00 on August 30 until the morning of the 31st, the Russian Armed Forces carried out a massive attack on Ukrainian territory. According to the Air Force of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, as reported by RBC-Ukraine, the enemy employed both missile and drone weapons, striking several directions across the country. The strike combination included one guided air-to-surface missile and 121 strike unmanned aerial vehicles.

### Characteristics of the Weapons Used

The Kh-59 guided air-to-surface missile was launched from the airspace over the Black Sea — this confirms that Russian aviation continues to use the maritime zone as a springboard for striking targets at a significant distance from the coastline. In parallel, 121 strike drones were launched into the air. In terms of composition, these were predominantly jet-powered drones of the "Shahed" type, as well as "Gerbera" type devices and "Parody" decoys, designed to overload air defense systems and create false targets. The drones flew along several directions simultaneously — toward the north, south, east, and center of Ukraine.

### Results of Air Defense Operations

By 08:00 on August 31, according to official Ukrainian Armed Forces data, air defense systems destroyed or suppressed 96 enemy drones. Among those shot down were "Shaheds," "Gerberas," and drones of other types flying toward all the listed directions. Thus, approximately 80% of the launched UAVs were neutralized before reaching their targets. Meanwhile, 11 locations within Ukrainian territory recorded direct hits by aerial attack means, and in 8 more places the fall of debris from destroyed targets was recorded.

### Changes to Kyiv's Alert System

Against the backdrop of ongoing attacks, the capital's authorities are preparing changes to the system for alerting the population about danger. Various alarm signals are being developed depending on the type of threat — meaning citizens will be able to receive more precise information about the nature of the approaching danger. A possible change to the curfew regime is also under discussion. At the Prime Minister's initiative, proposals for the alert system reform will be presented in the near future.

### Food Security Concerns

A separate consequence of the series of enemy attacks was strikes on logistics trains and distribution centers, which caused Ukrainians to worry about food shortages. Presidential adviser Serhiy "Flash" Beskrestnov stated that, if necessary, Europe is capable of filling the food gaps, while Ukrainian business is currently reorganizing its supply channels to compensate for infrastructure losses.

## 🔍 Fact-Check Verification

- [Russia attacked Ukraine at night with a missile and drones, there are "hits"](https://www.rbc.ua/ukr/news/rosiya-vnochi-atakuvala-ukrayinu-raketoyu-1788154458.html) - Основной источник: данные Воздушных сил ВСУ о 1 ракете Х-59, 121 дроне, 96 сбитых БПЛА, 11 точках попадания и 8 местах падения обломков. Также информация о реформе оповещения в Киеве и заявлении Бескрестнова.
- ["Toxic strike": scientists fear the war is pushing the Black Sea to a point of no return](https://www.unian.net/ecology/chernoe-more-eksperty-rasskazali-ob-ushcherbe-nanesennom-ekosisteme-chernogo-morya-v-rezultate-voyny-s-rf-13328202.html) - Контекстный источник: подтверждает факт использования Черного моря как зоны военных действий, но не содержит данных о конкретной атаке 31 августа.

## ❓ FAQ

### Q: Which missile did Russia use to attack Ukraine on the night of August 31?
**A:** According to the Ukrainian Armed Forces, one Kh-59 guided air-to-surface missile was employed, launched from the airspace over the Black Sea.

### Q: How many drones were shot down by Ukrainian air defense?
**A:** By 08:00 on August 31, air defense had destroyed or suppressed 96 of the 121 enemy drones launched.

### Q: What is changing in Kyiv's alert system?
**A:** The capital's authorities are developing various alarm signals depending on the type of threat, and are also considering a change to the curfew regime. The proposals will be presented at the Prime Minister's initiative.

### Q: Is there a risk of food shortages in Ukraine?
**A:** Presidential adviser Serhiy Beskrestnov stated that, if necessary, Europe is capable of filling the food gaps, while business is reorganizing its supply channels following strikes on distribution centers.