In a significant escalation of the ongoing conflict, Russia launched a massive drone attack on Ukraine on July 31, 2024, primarily targeting the capital city of Kyiv and surrounding regions. The assault, described as ‘one of the most massive attacks by Shahed-131/136 drones’ since the war began, involved 89 Shahed-type drones and one X-59 guided air-to-ground missile.According to Ukrainian Air Force Commander-in-Chief Nikolai Oleschuk, the attack was launched from multiple locations, including the occupied Kherson region, Yeisk, Sech, Kursk, and Primorsko-Akhhtarsk. The assault lasted for over seven hours, with drones approaching Kyiv in waves from various directions.In a remarkable display of defensive capabilities, Ukrainian air defense forces claim to have successfully intercepted and destroyed all 89 drones and the X-59 missile. The defense effort involved mobile fire groups from all branches of the Ukrainian military, tactical aviation, army aviation, and electronic warfare units.Serhiy Popko, head of Kyiv’s military administration, stated, ‘This was the seventh drone attack on Kyiv in July and the most massive of the year in terms of the number of drones used’. Despite the scale of the assault, preliminary reports indicate no casualties or damage in Kyiv.In an apparent retaliation, Ukrainian forces reportedly launched an attack on a Russian weapons depot in the Kursk region, which borders Ukraine. This region has been a repeated target of Ukrainian strikes in the past.The massive scale of this attack, matching a similar assault on New Year’s Eve 2024, underscores the ongoing intensity of the conflict and the increasing reliance on drone warfare by both sides. As the war continues into its third year, the use of drones for deep strikes into enemy territory has become a defining feature of the conflict.
Key points
- Russia launched a massive attack on Ukraine using 89 Shahed drones and one X-59 missile, primarily targeting Kyiv.
- Ukrainian air defense forces claim to have intercepted all 89 drones and the missile, showcasing their defensive capabilities.
- The attack lasted over seven hours and was launched from multiple locations, including occupied territories.
- Despite the scale of the attack, no casualties or damage were reported in Kyiv, according to preliminary data.
- Ukraine reportedly retaliated by attacking a Russian weapons depot in the Kursk region.
Contradictions👾While most sources report that all 89 drones were shot down, some earlier reports mentioned lower numbers, such as ‘over 30’ or ‘over 40’ drones being intercepted.
This discrepancy likely results from evolving information as the situation developed.
