Kyiv was preparing a second "Spiderweb" against Moscow airports, but the plan was stopped
According to information from The Atlantic, in early 2026, the Ukrainian leadership was considering a large-scale operation using AI-powered drones, aiming to permanently halt the operation of Moscow's airports and surrounding Russian airports. The project was code-named M&Ms.
The concept envisioned a massive launch of small drones that were to overcome Russian air defense and attack aviation infrastructure. According to one of the publication's sources, this could have required up to a thousand drones in a single night.
A unique feature of the operation was to be autonomous drones with artificial intelligence systems. They could independently identify targets by comparing local imagery with pre-loaded maps and photographs. It was the use of this technology that created the greatest legal and moral problems.
The main goal was not so much the direct destruction of airports as the prolonged closure of Moscow's airspace to civilian aviation. The Ukrainian side expected this would force international airlines to stop flights to Russia, and also create serious inconveniences for Russian officials, oligarchs, and other members of the elite.
According to the plan, the resulting economic and social problems could increase pressure on Vladimir Putin and push the Russian leadership toward negotiations.
However, even at the project presentation stage, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed serious concerns. Most notably, he was worried about the possibility of mistaken target identification and striking a civilian aircraft, which could lead to the death of passengers and crew members. Despite these risks, preparations for the operation continued.
According to two sources from The Atlantic, the project was stopped in July after the dismissal of Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov. The publication's interlocutors name him as one of the main architects of this idea. Fedorov was involved in developing Ukraine's military drone program, forming a team of programmers for artificial intelligence systems, and seeking European funding.
Following the appointment of Yevhen Khmara as the new Minister of Defense, the future of the project remains uncertain. One of the publication's sources did not rule out that it could be resumed, but this would require a new team and about three months of preparation.
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Дастаткова запраграміраваць кампутар на тое, што самалёт не можа быць цэллю. Унесці самалёт у стоп-ліст. Ці як там называецца.
І загрузіць у спіс цэляў фоты кіраўніцтва РФ, асабіліва вайсковага.