The Atlantic: Zelenskyy Was Advised To Attack Moscow's Airports With Thousands Of Drones
- 21.08.2026, 7:50
The military operation was code-named M&Ms.
In early 2026, Ukrainian officials approached President Volodymyr Zelenskyy with a “risky plan” to end the war. It called for a large-scale operation involving thousands of drones equipped with artificial intelligence against Moscow’s airports.
This military operation was codenamed “M&Ms” and was intended to isolate the Russian elite and force dictator Vladimir Putin to agree to ceasefire negotiations. However, it was ultimately suspended, according to The Atlantic.
Details of the operation
It is noted that to carry out Operation M&Ms, it was necessary to expand the bombing campaign to include a whole list of targets and types of weapons that they had long avoided. In addition to strikes on Russian oil refineries and other facilities, there were plans to launch waves of AI-powered drones at Moscow’s airports.
Sources familiar with the matter reported that the plan was to suspend international air travel to and from Moscow.
“If carried out, this plan would have marked a terrifying milestone in the history of warfare: an attack in which swarms of autonomous drones, equipped with AI-based guidance systems, would detect and strike their targets without the involvement of a pilot controlling their movements,” the publication states.
The publication notes that various countries have been testing such systems in recent years. In particular, the U.S. has tested similar systems, but this has sparked heated debate over a possible violation of the laws of war. Therefore, they have never been used on a large scale.
Zelenskyy expressed concern regarding the operation
This action plan was presented to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy this winter. However, he expressed serious concern about the plan.
Sources reported that the leader feared such actions could be viewed as “piracy,” since drones could strike a civilian aircraft, potentially injuring or killing passengers, airport staff, or crew members. Nevertheless, in an effort to find a way to exert pressure on the Kremlin, Zelenskyy gave the go-ahead to continue preparations for the operation.
Zelenskyy’s press secretary declined to comment on the matter. Another representative of the president’s team denied such plans, calling them “nonsense.” He also explained that Ukraine does not have the necessary weapons to carry out such operations.