Moscow no longer hides its goals: Major Russian event could show the world what it's preparing for

Organizers of a major Russian drone festival have openly declared their preparations for a "major war with NATO" and aim to reverse the tide in the current "drone war" in Russia's favor.

The Dronnitsa conference, an annual gathering for drone manufacturers and operators in Russia, announced that its two main objectives this year are preparing for a large-scale conflict with NATO and achieving a decisive advantage in drone warfare. The conference is scheduled to take place in late August in Veliky Novgorod, western Russia, and last year attracted over 2,000 participants.

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preparing for 'a major war with NATO' and a reversal in Russia's favor in the current 'drone war'.

The ongoing war in Ukraine has become a critical testing ground for drone technology, with both Russia and Ukraine emerging as global leaders in their use. This rapid development has pushed many NATO members to accelerate their efforts to catch up with battlefield tactics. Russian and Ukrainian drones frequently penetrate NATO airspace, exposing vulnerabilities in Western air defense systems.

Previous Dronnitsa conferences have focused on training drone operators, organizing drone units, and addressing errors in Russia's military use of drone technology, according to Newsweek. These statements emerge as Ukraine warns that other European nations could become targets for Russia once its forces are no longer engaged in Ukraine, potentially following a peace agreement.

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the alliance must prepare for a large-scale war, 'as our grandfathers and great-grandfathers fought'.

Some NATO officials have cautioned that Moscow might target the alliance's eastern flank, particularly Poland, Estonia, Latvia, or Lithuania, within the next few years. Military exercises simulating a Russian attack on the Baltic states in 2030 were conducted in the UK last month. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has stated the alliance must prepare for a large-scale war, warning that Russia is NATO's "next target," a claim strongly criticized by the Kremlin.

Russia officially denies any intention to attack European countries, dismissing such claims as "nonsense." Latvia's intelligence service assesses that Russia is preparing for "military provocations" against Baltic nations or Poland, though not necessarily a full-scale armed conflict. Western officials emphasize that Russia is already engaged in a "hybrid war" against NATO through cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns, and targeting critical infrastructure. Russia's defense industry is operating at full capacity, producing hundreds of tanks, armored vehicles, and artillery pieces monthly, with drones playing a crucial role in the Ukraine conflict. European countries are increasing defense spending, but Russia dedicates a significant portion of its GDP to its military.

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Russia is NATO's 'next target'.