Russia downsizes navy festivities in port cities amid threats of drone attacks

Russia was compelled to scale back its Navy Day celebrations due to ongoing security threats from Ukrainian drone attacks, which continue to challenge the Kremlin’s defences.

Authorities cancelled traditional naval parades in several key locations, including St. Petersburg, the Kaliningrad region on the Baltic Sea, and the Pacific port city of Vladivostok. These events, typically held on July 27 to commemorate Navy Day, were scrapped amid heightened concerns over airspace safety, Caliber.Az reports citing Russian media.

Despite President Vladimir Putin’s arrival in St. Petersburg—his hometown—to visit the navy headquarters, the scheduled parade there was called off. When questioned about the abrupt cancellation, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov cited security concerns. “It’s linked to the overall situation, security reasons, which are above all else,” he told reporters.

The decision came after the Russian Defence Ministry reported intercepting 99 Ukrainian drones across multiple regions overnight. Additional drone activity was detected later in the day near St. Petersburg. In the Lomonosov district, drone debris injured a woman, local officials confirmed. Meanwhile, Pulkovo Airport in St. Petersburg was forced to suspend dozens of flights early Sunday in response to the drone threat.

The mounting frequency of Ukrainian drone strikes has made it increasingly difficult for Russia to safely conduct high-profile public events, even in regions far from the front lines.

By Nazrin Sadigova