Putin cancels Navy Day parade, says frontline is the real place to celebrate
Photo: Russian Navy at the base in Kronstadt near Saint Petersburg (Getty Images)
Russian President Vladimir Putin gave a strange explanation for the cancellation of the country's main naval parade in Saint Petersburg. He said that the Day of the Russian Navy is better celebrated "in combat conditions," informs TASS.
"It is a good holiday, but I think you will agree with me that under current conditions, it is right to mark this holiday in combat and working conditions, on site, where the fleet demonstrates its combat capabilities and qualities," he said.
At the same time, Putin once again congratulated the Russian troops from the naval forces on their holiday. He added that the "holiday is beautiful, very necessary, and important for the country."
Reduction and cancellation of the parade
Recently, Russia suddenly canceled its main naval parade, which is usually held in Saint Petersburg on July 27. The parade planned for Navy Day, a Russian national holiday, was refused this year.
British intelligence noted in its July 27, 2025, report that this was the first time the naval parade on Navy Day was canceled entirely. The Russians introduced the main holiday for their navy in 2017. Since then, Navy Day in Saint Petersburg has effectively become the country's main naval parade.
In 2024, amid heavy losses of the Russian fleet in the war in Ukraine and safety concerns, the parade was significantly shortened. But 2025 marked the first time the traditional event was canceled altogether.
