The M&Ms Operation Unfolding in Ukraine
Since early September 2026, Ukraine has been executing a covert operation named M&Ms, involving nearly daily drone incursions into Moscow’s airspace. These repeated flights have forced the closure of all four major airports in Moscow, including a notable shutdown last Friday during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s return from Turkmenistan. Although the president’s plane was not targeted, the disruption caused significant interruptions to air traffic.
The campaign deploys up to a thousand drones each day. According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, these drones do not directly attack airports but their presence compels Russian authorities to close runways, severely impacting international airline operations. Zelensky personally oversees drone missions to avoid harm to civilian aircraft, highlighting a cautious approach in conducting these operations.
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Notably, the M&Ms operation relies entirely on domestically developed drones equipped with AI-guided navigation systems, with no involvement of U.S. technology or intelligence. Zelensky has admitted that the initial operational plan was too risky and subsequently curtailed drone usage. He announced the campaign’s launch on September 1 and urged foreign airlines to halt flights to Russia. Despite this, only Air Tanzania briefly complied with the advisory.
Beginning October 8, Ukraine extended its strikes to at least four Russian data centers, mainly operated by the company Yandex. These assaults have caused disruptions in banking services, mapping applications, and delivery and taxi platforms. Zelensky noted a marked decrease in online hostility, division, and provocations, attributing this to a reduction in bot activity.
“Social media has become noticeably less toxic. There’s been a drop in hatred, discord, and provocations because there are fewer bots,” President Zelensky stated.
The political fallout has been mixed. Former U.S. President Donald Trump has remained silent about the drone attacks on airports and data centers, though last month he urged Kyiv to stop targeting oil refineries. Some members within Zelensky’s team fear that a potential deal between Trump and Putin could dash Ukraine’s hopes for victory. One of the operation’s architects acknowledged that if the U.S. backs Russia, Ukraine might have limited options beyond seeking peace. There is a growing recognition that Russia is unlikely to collapse soon due to its complicated economic circumstances, prompting Ukraine to reconsider its strategic approach.
The M&Ms operation forms part of Ukraine’s broader military efforts to intensify pressure on Russia amid escalating political tensions. The use of drones to penetrate Moscow’s airspace and attack critical infrastructure signals a tactical shift in response to ongoing military and economic challenges. These developments are sparking renewed international debates over support for Ukraine and potential impacts on regional stability.
As Ukraine intensifies its operations against Russian targets, the situation continues to evolve, particularly in response to Moscow's military actions. Following the recent disruptions caused by the M&Ms campaign, President Zelensky has signaled a potential escalation in attacks on critical infrastructure, including oil refineries. This strategic shift aims to counteract the ongoing threats from Russia. For more details on Ukraine's plans to enhance its offensive capabilities, read about the escalation of strikes on oil facilities.