Ukraine was preparing a large-scale attack on Moscow's airports
Ukraine developed a plan for a large-scale operation intended to paralyze Moscow’s airports using up to a thousand small autonomous drones. According to *The Atlantic*, the plan called for overloading Russian air defenses and blocking air traffic to and from Moscow for an extended period.
The operation was code-named “M&Ms.” It was developed by Ukraine’s then-Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov. The plan called for launching up to 1,000 small and relatively inexpensive drones toward Moscow in a single night. The drones were to operate as a large autonomous swarm using artificial intelligence technology.
The primary targets were Moscow’s airports. The plan’s authors calculated that a large number of drones would force Russian air defense systems to operate at the limits of their capabilities and would disrupt the operation of aviation hubs for an extended period. This was not just about immediate flight disruptions. Ukrainian developers anticipated that, due to prolonged problems, international airlines might begin to cancel flights to Moscow.
Sources mentioned Turkish Airlines and Emirates among such carriers. Thus, the operation was intended to create additional economic and political pressure on the Russian leadership. Officials in Kyiv hoped this might compel Russian President Vladimir Putin to return to negotiations aimed at ending the war.
Zelenskyy Was Concerned About Civilian Aircraft
According to The Atlantic, the plan was presented to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in early 2026. The head of state expressed concern about potential risks to civil aviation. Specifically, he raised concerns about the danger to passenger planes, people on board, and airport employees.
At the same time, Zelenskyy authorized the continuation of preparations for the operation. One of the goals was to create additional leverage over the Russian government and elite. If Moscow’s airports were blocked for an extended period, it would be more difficult for them to use international air travel and travel abroad.
Why the Operation Was Halted
Preparations for “M&Ms” lasted several months, but the process was halted in July following Fedorov’s resignation. According to one of The Atlantic’s sources, the project could technically be resumed. In his estimation, it might take the new team about three months to do so.
However, the information provided does not indicate that the operation has already been carried out or that a decision to resume it has been made. The Atlantic notes that it received information about the plan from two sources familiar with it. That is why the details described should be viewed as a report of a prepared plan, rather than as confirmation that an attack has taken place. This is reported by The Atlantic.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the country’s diplomatic team is preparing personnel decisions and new approaches to its work. He specifically mentioned the U.S. track, where new appointments are expected following consultations. According to the head of state, Ukraine needs concrete results on the international stage.
