Russia calls off its annual combat-drone jamboree, worried Ukraine would strike the event
Organizers have canceled “Dronnitsa,” the all-Russian gathering of combat drone operators that had been scheduled for August 29–30 in Veliky Novgorod, about 100 kilometers (75 miles) from Vladimir Putin’s residence.
Russia has canceled its annual combat-drone event, "Dronnitsa," set for August 29–30 in Veliky Novgorod, citing fears that Ukraine might target the gathering. The decision was announced on August 12 via the event's Telegram channel, which stated they had received "information about the enemy's plans to strike the gathering while it is underway."
The organizers explained that the hybrid nature of the anticipated attack—combining new ballistic weapons with bio-drone terrorists—would require deploying significant air-defense and security personnel, potentially leaving surrounding facilities and areas vulnerable to attack. This would be the fifth occurrence of "Dronnitsa" in Veliky Novgorod; previous editions took place at Lake Ilmen.
Olympic champion Alina Kabaeva, thought to be the mother of three of Russian President Vladimir Putin's children, reportedly owns property near the president's residence in Valdai, where several dozen air-defense system towers are located.
Written by urgent.news from Meduza (English)'s reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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