Key facts
- Russia canceled its annual Navy Day parade in St. Petersburg for the second consecutive year.
- The decision was made due to security concerns stemming from Ukraine's drone capabilities.
- President Vladimir Putin addressed sailors at the Navy's headquarters instead of attending a parade.
- Widespread internet blackouts occurred in St. Petersburg during Putin's visit.
- St. Petersburg has become more vulnerable to Ukrainian drone attacks despite heavy air defenses.
Russia has canceled its annual Navy Day parade in St. Petersburg for the second year in a row, citing security concerns related to Ukraine's growing drone capabilities. President Vladimir Putin instead addressed sailors at the Navy's headquarters, a visit that coincided with widespread internet blackouts in the city.
Navy Day, traditionally observed on the last Sunday in July, has featured major naval displays in St. Petersburg since 2017. However, security fears have led to the cancellation of the main parade for two consecutive years. This move highlights the increasing threat posed by Ukrainian long-range drone strikes, which have demonstrated the ability to reach Russia's power centers and disrupt planned events.
Earlier in the year, Moscow also scaled back its Victory Day parade due to similar concerns. Ukraine had previously launched a drone strike on a St. Petersburg oil terminal during the city's Economic Forum and more recently targeted Wildberries logistics hubs, causing significant disruption and grounding flights at Pulkovo Airport.
Sources from the Russian Defense Ministry indicated that no orders had been issued to organize the parade, with a Navy spokesperson stating it was 'not the right time.' Despite St. Petersburg's historical defenses, advancements in Ukraine's drone technology have made the city more vulnerable, even at a distance of 1,100 kilometers from Ukraine's border.