Zelenskyy Weighed AI Drone Strikes on Moscow Airports, Targeting 600-Plus Flights
Updated
Updated · Ukrainska Pravda · Aug 21
Zelenskyy Weighed AI Drone Strikes on Moscow Airports, Targeting 600-Plus Flights
3 articles · Updated · Ukrainska Pravda · Aug 21
Summary
The Atlantic reported that Ukrainian officials presented Zelenskyy in early 2026 with a plan for large-scale autonomous drone strikes on airports in Moscow and the surrounding region.
The proposal aimed to disrupt international air traffic to the Russian capital using AI-guided drone swarms that could navigate and strike without live operators—technology not yet used in combat.
Zelenskyy reportedly worried the operation could hit a passenger jet or kill civilians near airports, but still allowed preparations to continue for a time as Kyiv sought new pressure on Russia and leverage for peace talks.
By mid-spring, the project—code-named M&M's—had advanced under former defense minister Mykhailo Fedorov, who allegedly helped build the team, guidance systems and funding plan before preparations were halted.
Ukraine's presidential office denied the account as false, while the report lands after repeated drone attacks around Moscow, including Russian claims this week of more than 600 drones heading toward the capital.