Zelensky's airline warning signals start of AI drone operation M&Ms

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned international airlines that Russian airspace is becoming critically dangerous due to Ukrainian drones, signaling a potential start of a long-prepared AI-driven operation codenamed M&Ms. Western journalists suggest this marks the initial phase of the plan. The operation reportedly involves launching up to one thousand drones nightly to overwhelm Russian air defenses and collapse passenger aviation in Moscow. Drones use AI-based autonomous navigation with map matching to counter Russian electronic warfare systems, following a test during the "Pavutyna" operation that hit 41 Russian aircraft. The strategic goal is psychological and political: forcing international insurers and airlines to suspend flights to Russia would isolate wealthy Russians and elites, creating internal pressure on Vladimir Putin to seek a real exit from the war.