The Atlantic: Ukraine Has Launched An Operation To Block Moscow's Airports Using Thousands Of Drones
- 3.09.2026, 14:21
It all began with a statement by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Ukraine has launched an operation to block Moscow's airports using thousands of drones. A source in Kyiv told The Atlantic Simon Shuster by a source in Kyiv. According to the source, the operation began with a statement by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy regarding the danger posed by Russian airspace.
Back in August, sources speaking to The Atlantic said that in Kyiv had developed a plan for a large-scale attack on the Moscow aviation hub. The operation, codenamed M&Ms, was prepared by Ukraine’s former defense minister Mykhailo Fedorov. The plan was to launch up to 1,000 drones equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) and maps of the area every night to overwhelm the air defense systems, render Moscow’s airports inoperable, and persuade foreign airlines to stop flying to Russia. In this way, Kyiv hoped to force Vladimir Putin to return to negotiations to end the war.
Sources at The Atlantic said the plan was presented to Zelenskyy in early 2026. At the time, he expressed concerns about the risk of civilian aircraft being hit and casualties among passengers and airport staff. However, the Ukrainian president authorized the continuation of preparations for the operation to gain leverage over Russian authorities and elites, who would find it more difficult to travel abroad. The plan’s organizers also suggested that Zelenskyy warn civilian airlines to avoid Moscow’s airports.
On September 1, the President of Ukraine publicly warned foreign airlines and insurers about the dangers of Russian airspace. Following this, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andriy Sibiga reported that Kyiv had sent a notification to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) regarding the dangers of Russian airspace. In response, Vladimir Putin stated that “threats of attacks on civilian aircraft” are “a manifestation of state terrorism” and “complicate the prospects for bilateral peace talks.”
Meanwhile, following Zelenskyy’s statement, Moscow’s airports began to restrict operations. On the night of September 2 alone, according to Flightradar24, 21 flights were canceled and 235 were delayed at Sheremetyevo Airport, while at Vnukovo, 22 flights were canceled and 94 were delayed. On the night of September 3, Moscow’s air traffic hub was once again effectively paralyzed. According to Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin, 103 drones were shot down as they approached the Russian capital between the evening of September 2 and the morning of September 3.