Russia has canceled its annual Navy Day parade in St. Petersburg for the second year in a row, citing security concerns amid the threat of Ukrainian drone strikes.

Russia has canceled its annual Navy Day parade in St. Petersburg for the second consecutive year. The decision follows increasing Ukrainian long-range drone capabilities that have put major Russian cities at risk. Instead of the traditional naval review, President Vladimir Putin delivered an address to sailors at the Admiralty, the Navy's headquarters in St. Petersburg.

Security concerns and parade cancellation

Navy Day, traditionally held on the last Sunday in July, has featured displays of vessels from Russia's Baltic, Black Sea, Northern, and Pacific fleets since 2017. This year, the event was scaled back significantly. Sources in the Russian Defense Ministry told the news outlet Fontanka on July 15 that they had received no orders to organize the parade, with a Navy spokesperson stating it was "not the right time."

Growing threat to St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg, located 1,100 kilometers from the Ukrainian border, has faced increased vulnerability due to advancements in Ukraine's drone industry. On July 24, a Ukrainian strike hit two Wildberries logistics warehouses in the city, causing smoke and grounding flights at Pulkovo Airport. This follows a June attack on the St. Petersburg Oil Terminal during Russia's Economic Forum.