Vladimir Putin has canceled his major annual naval parade for the second year running, this time over fears of assassination by Ukrainian drones. The Main Naval Parade in St Petersburg and the military port of Kronstadt was replaced with concerts, museum programs, and commemorative ceremonies. Similar parades in the Baltic, Black, and Azov seas, as well as the Arctic and Pacific oceans, were also called off.
Ukrainian Strikes Prompt Cancellation
The decision followed Ukrainian strikes in June on Kronstadt, a naval base that serves as the headquarters of the Russian Baltic Fleet and plays a key role in the parade. That attack, along with other nearby strikes, disrupted Putin's version of the World Economic Forum – the St Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), which brings together political leaders, CEOs, and investors.
Putin reportedly lacks confidence in his air defenses, as Ukraine continues to successfully target sites deep inside Russia. Instead of attending the parade, he addressed his naval sailors in a video recorded from the safety of his office.
Nuclear Threat to the West
In the video, Putin said: “In Russia, washed by the waters of thirteen seas, the Navy plays a vital role in ensuring defence and security, and in protecting the country’s legitimate interests in the World Ocean.” He added, “Our naval forces are capable of effectively accomplishing the full range of tasks assigned to them.”
He then issued a chilling threat to the West, vowing that his naval forces are “constantly developing,” including their nuclear strike capability: “The maritime component of Russia’s nuclear triad is growing in strength. The serial construction of combat ships and special vessels continues. The supply of advanced armaments and equipment to submarine, surface, coastal and aviation units is being improved.”
Previous Parades and Context
The main parade was scaled back in 2024 but still involved 200 ships and 15,000 military personnel. Last year, it was also canceled for security reasons. In May, Putin went ahead with his other major annual event, the Victory Day military parade on Red Square in Moscow, but only after Ukraine agreed not to attack it. No such promise was likely for the naval parade after Putin refused to engage in a full ceasefire and peace talks.
A naval source said: “As you can imagine, it’s not the right time.” Putin created the large modern St Petersburg Navy Day parade in 2017, drawing on tsarist traditions. This month, Ukraine has destroyed or damaged almost 200 shadow fleet tankers and cargo vessels in the Black and Azov seas.
