Ukrainian drones can shut Russian airports by just approaching them, says aide

Ukrainian drones can disrupt Russian airport operations simply by approaching them, without needing to attack directly, according to a senior Ukrainian presidential adviser. Serhiy Beskrestnov, known as Flash, made the statement in a Guardian interview published on September 6. He said that flying near an airport is enough to force its closure. The comments respond to President Volodymyr Zelensky's September 1 claim that Russian airspace is becoming dangerous for airlines, insurers, and international aviation participants. Zelensky stressed Ukraine poses no threat to civilian aircraft and has no intention of attacking them, but noted drone activity over Russia is changing the aviation situation. On August 21, The Atlantic reported, citing sources, that Ukraine had planned an operation called M&M's using swarms of autonomous AI-equipped drones.